SC&RF Recognizes First Winners from Workforce Ambassador Program
Program designed to raise industry awareness and cultivate engagement between industry and public.
(Centreville, VA) June 2, 2024 – The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF) has announced the first winners (2023) of its Workforce Ambassador Program. Launched in April 2023, with a goal of 150 companies by 2026, the purpose of the program is to grow industry awareness at the local and state level. Companies who commit to the program are dedicated to raising industry awareness through local community engagement, such as field trips, classroom visits, career days and more.
This year’s winners have displayed exemplary engagement in their communities, adding to a collective group of Workforce Ambassadors that are impacting thousands of schools and more than 40 local communities. SC&RF considers this type of community engagement the first and most fundamental step to addressing the industry’s skilled-labor gap.
In the “Small Company” category, based out of McKeesport, PA, Stefan Industries was recognized. An active participant in elementary school career days, the team at Stefan visits the schools located within their school district – where both the owner and other employees live – which makes it fun to build on lessons from the last career day and see what the kids remember. The kids also receive stickers and a tool of some kind with the company logo, so when they see the trucks and equipment on the road, the brand awareness is already there.
McNally-Nimergood Co., based in Saginaw, MI, picked up the award in the “Medium Company” category. One way McNally-Nimergood is working to increase awareness in the crane industry is by organizing field trips for kindergarten through high school-aged students. This initiative aims to introduce children to the industry at a young age and encourage them to pursue career opportunities in the future. The company also encourages educators to participate in hands-on activities during these field trips, and provides them with the necessary information and guidance to help them understand the industry better. Additionally, McNally-Nimergood is actively involved in the local CTE programs (Career Technical Education), and invites high school students to visit their facility while providing equipment at the education centers for hands-on demonstrations and learning. This has helped attract skilled and motivated high school students to explore employment opportunities within the company.
In the “Large Company” category, Madison, WI-based IDEAL Crane Rental Inc., was recognized by SC&RF. Among numerous touch-a-truck events and onsite visits throughout the year, IDEAL organizes an annual event called Kids Building WI, which reaches almost 10,000 parents and guardians. During the event, IDEAL provides the equipment to familiarize children and guardians with opportunities in the trades. Additionally, IDEAL looks to provide hands-on learning opportunities to programs like the WI DOT Highway Construction Skills Training Program, Madison College Construction Program and holds positions on technical college advisory boards. IDEAL also works to make the industry accessible to all by working with area organizations like Operation Fresh Start, Women in Construction and WI Regional Training Partnership programs – via presentations and career visits.
Lastly, in the “Allied/Supporting Services” category, SC&RF recognized CREWTEK – the nation’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit trade school dedicated to crane and heavy equipment operation. With campuses in Houston, TX, and Woodland, WA, with further expansion planned, the company is on a mission to help solve the skilled-labor shortage while directly impacting student lives in positive ways – through professional training, certifications, leadership and life skills development and career-placement support.
As part of its recruiting effort, CREWTEK attends several career fairs and industry exhibitions monthly, makes visits to local high schools and community colleges and is an active member of the local chambers of commerce. CREWTEK’s aim is to bridge the gap between businesses in need of qualified talent and individuals seeking to improve their lives with long-lasting, honorable careers.
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About SC&RF
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry. It supports workforce development, provides educational assistance and conducts research to advance growth and opportunities within the industry.
For further information, contact:
Jackie Roskos, Director
(703) 698-0291
info@scr-foundation.org