How crane and rigging companies are inspiring the next generation

In 2024, the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF) celebrated the inaugural winners of its Workforce Ambassador Program, which launched in April 2023. The program, aiming to engage 150 companies by 2026, is designed to raise industry awareness at local and state levels.

McNally-Nimergood introduces students from grades K-12 to the crane industry.

Participating companies demonstrate their commitment to community engagement through activities like field trips, classroom visits and career days. 2024’s winners exemplify this mission, collectively impacting thousands of schools and more than 40 communities. SC&RF views such grassroots involvement as the foundational step in addressing the skilled-labor gap.

Winners by category

Steffan Industries, based in McKeesport, PA, earned recognition in the “Small Company” category. Actively participating in elementary school career days, Steffan’s team visits schools within their local district, where many employees and the owner reside. These visits build continuity with students, who eagerly recall lessons from previous interactions.

“Sparking a young person’s interest in any trade is complex to begin with,” said Sandy Steffan, vice president, Steffan Industries. “Students have immediate access to information on their devices, so they’re able to quickly immerse themselves in whatever interests them. Like any first impression, you only have one chance to get it right. When I speak with students and mentees, I often focus on how to parlay your interest into future career growth.

Students are treated to hands-on learning to familiarize themselves with the industry.

McNally-Nimergood Company, headquartered in Saginaw, MI, was honored in the “Medium Company” category. The company introduces students from kindergarten through high school to the crane industry through field trips that provide a hands-on understanding of career possibilities. Additionally, the company supports local Career Technical Education (CTE) programs by hosting high school visits to their facility and offering equipment for hands-on demonstrations. These efforts have successfully attracted motivated high school students to explore career opportunities within the company.

“Watching the awe and excitement on the faces of young children, high school students and their parents is a powerful reminder of how unique and exciting our industry is,” said Meghan McNally-Wininger, marketing director, McNally-Nimergood. “With opportunities ranging from hands-on work to creative roles like marketing, the crane industry offers a wide variety of fulfilling career paths.

Becoming a Workforce Ambassador.

In the “Large Company” category, Madison, WI-based Ideal Crane Rental received accolades for its extensive community outreach. Through touch-a-truck events and onsite visits, Ideal Crane Rental engages families and students year-round. The company’s flagship initiative, Kids Building WI, reaches nearly 10,000 parents and guardians annually, introducing them to opportunities in the trades. Ideal also collaborates with programs like the WI DOT Highway Construction Skills Training Program and Madison College Construction Program, while serving on technical college advisory boards. By partnering with organizations like Operation Fresh Start, Women in Construction and WI Regional Training Partnership programs, Ideal demonstrates its commitment to making the industry accessible to all.

“Community engagement is so important for our business as it fosters relationships and empowers individuals,” said Kristin Chose, director of business development, Ideal Crane Rental. “However, we also use it as an opportunity to strengthen our future workforce. From hosting a group of 20 students to working with our larger construction industry within the state to put on a one-day event that draws 10,000 people every year in May, we are always looking towards the future of our workforce. It’s so important to share information about the great opportunities available in our industry.”