ROCKINGHAM—On a chilly Thursday morning, around 350 students from area high schools and community colleges gathered at Superior Cranes to learn about a variety of careers that are available in the crane, rigging and specialized-transport industry.
Kyle Belkoski, director of sales at superior cranes, welcomed the large group as they came together in the warehouse.
“Today is game day. You are the future of our industry,” he said. “We want you to ask questions. You see the people in green jackets? They are here for you. And remember, green is the color of money. If you work in this industry, you will make money.”
Tracy Bennett, director of Lift & Move USA, welcomed the students and faculty in attendance, encouraging them to remember that grants are available to further their education after high school. She also informed them about ways to earn money throughout the day by sharing pictures on social media and signing up on the computer.
Joe Averitte encouraged “Safety first!” as the students moved through the various work stations, and to wear the safety helmets provided when they registered.
Brian Schleicher, director of marketing and communications, then introduced Richmond Community College President Dale McInnis, who encouraged them to listen closely and learn about the high-paying jobs available in this industry.
“Ten million new skilled jobs will be available in this industry by 2021,” McInnis said. “See if this is a career you may be interested in.”
Many vendors were on site, sharing information and also handing out freebies, such as hats, pens, water bottles, lanyards, notepads and bags. The vendors included Carquest of Rockingham, Tindall Advanced Engineering Precast Solutions, Ansgar Industrial, Skills USA, M&P Specialty Insurance, Fall Tech, H & E Equipment Services, Ashley Sling Inc., National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, Sky View Crane Training, and Specialized Barriers and Rigging Foundation.
Students were divided into groups and traveled through the various work sites set up for them to hear presentations, as well as ask questions and interact with equipment, spending about 20 minutes at each one. The stations included crane operation, sales and lift planning, rigging hardware and machinery moving, mechanics and crane technicians, simulators, safety, transportation, and a chain falls contest. Students were timed during the chain falls and at the end of the day, the male and female with the best times each received a cash prize.
As the grand finale of the day, Superior Cranes staff put on a demonstration with a 440-ton crawler moving a 75-ton crawler off a flatbed truck as the crowd watched attentively. Many students left with a new understanding of the career opportunities in the crane, rigging, and specialized transportation industry, and hopefully will consider these high-paying jobs as they complete high school or community college and enter the workforce.
