Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF) Workforce Ambassador Program Announces Four Companies Shaping the Future of Industry
– The Workforce Ambassador Program proudly announces its 2024 Workforce Ambassador award winners— companies whose commitment to workforce development, education, and community engagement is shaping the future of the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry across the nation.
Launched in April 2023, the Workforce Ambassador Program is an initiative of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF), created to grow industry awareness at the local and state level. Companies that commit to being Workforce Ambassadors actively raise industry visibility through meaningful engagement with their communities—whether by hosting field trips, participating in classroom visits, supporting career days, construction shows, or organizing hands-on demonstrations. With a goal of 150 participating organizations by 2026, the program is a reflection of how the talent pipeline can be impacted by relationships and engagement.
Winning this honor is a significant achievement. Each company recognized demonstrates not only a passion the industry, but a strong dedication to investing in people, community and building the skilled workforce of tomorrow. These companies serve as models for how industry leaders can make a difference in their local communities.
The SC&RF complements these grassroots efforts by promoting the industry at the national level through participation in major events such as the SkillsUSA conference, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) national convention, and other national events. Together, these efforts will help inspire the next generation of professionals while strengthening the future of the industry.
2025 Workforce Ambassador Award winners:
Small Company Category: McNally-Nimergood
McNally-Nimergood in Saginaw, Mich. has built a strong reputation for community leadership. The company engages with local schools, educators, and industry organizations to inspire students and job seekers to explore the skilled trades. Signature programs include the Jill of All Trades event, which introduces young women to trade careers through hands-on experiences, and the Truckload of Books contest, which creatively connects literacy with career awareness. McNally-Nimergood regularly supports local Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and invites students to visit their company facility to learn about crane operations and safety practices. In addition to hosting field trips and safety demonstrations, the company provides sponsorships and charitable support to a variety of local causes. Their integrated approach to education, industry, and community is sure to make a lasting impact on the next generation of tradespeople and impact their pipeline for recruiting.
Medium Company Category: Ideal Crane Rental
Ideal Crane Rental, Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has been driving force in workforce engagement in its local area. As a founding organization and board member of Kids Building Wisconsin, Ideal helps produce an annual event that draws over 10,000 attendees and showcases 60 interactive exhibits designed to educate youth and families about construction careers. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Ideal also hosts a sensory-friendly pre-night event for children with autism and disabilities, ensuring every child can experience the world of construction in a comfortable setting. Their community outreach includes participation in numerous Touch-a-Truck events and a highly anticipated annual event in partnership with a local hospital, bringing joy and learning to children undergoing medical care. Ideal supports Diesel Tech programs across Wisconsin by serving on advisory boards and working directly with students. Through collaboration with the Wisconsin DOT Construction Skills Training Program and local technical colleges, they host on-site crane operation sessions every semester, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Their dedication is further exemplified by their significant contributions to the Boys and Girls Club McKenzie Workforce Center—a first-of-its-kind $30 million facility offering skilled trades training for underserved youth. Ideal continues its involvement by supporting programs like the Girls in Construction BLAZE Camp, empowering future industry leaders.
Large Company Category: Deep South Crane & Rigging
Deep South Crane & Rigging in Baton Rouge, La. Provides numerous hands-on and far-reaching workforce development efforts. The company regularly engages with local schools through classroom visits, career fairs, and participation in STEM programs that highlight the diverse opportunities in crane and rigging. Their involvement in community Touch-a-Truck events allows families and students to interact with equipment and professionals in a safe, educational setting. Deep South also supports apprenticeship programs that provide structured training and real-world job experience. A key initiative is their “Lift & Move” events—small-scale, interactive workforce development experiences that feature live crane demonstrations and career stations. These events give students the opportunity to meet professionals, hear personal career stories, and explore different roles within the industry. Beyond local outreach, Deep South collaborates with SC&RF to promote workforce development at the national level. Through campaigns like “Heavy Hitter,” they share resources and best practices to help strengthen the skilled trades workforce across the country.
OEM/Allied Category: Manitowoc
Manitowoc in Shady Grove, Pa. works to raise industry awareness through employee engagement, family outreach, and community support. Their Family Day at the Shady Grove plant welcomed more than 2,000 employees, retirees, and their families—including 455 children—for a day of music, games, picnic-style food, and hands-on crane exploration featuring over 30 machines from Grove, Manitowoc, National Crane, Potain, and Shuttlelift. The event also supported Brooke’s House, a local women’s recovery center, reinforcing Manitowoc’s commitment to social impact. In the winter season, Manitowoc brought its spirit to the community by showcasing a crane-themed ice sculpture at the Chambersburg Ice Festival and participating in the Fulton County Holiday Parade, where Santa and the Grinch arrived aboard crane. They also served as a sponsor for the Race Against Poverty, with employees running in the 5K and cranes on display to boost awareness. Manitowoc further engages the next generation through education by hosting school tours at their Pennsylvania facility. Students experience hands-on learning using welding simulation tools and are introduced to real-world equipment—building enthusiasm and skill for potential careers. At the WE24 Society of Women Engineers conference, Manitowoc’s top female engineers represented the company and highlighted exciting career paths in innovation and engineering.
These Workforce Ambassador award winners exemplify how the skilled trades industry can inspire, engage, and uplift communities. By actively supporting education and outreach, they are not only building awareness—they are building the future of the industry.
To learn more about the Workforce Ambassador Program, upcoming events, or how to get involved, https://scr-foundation.org/resources/workforce-ambassador-program/