The NCCCO Foundation provides scholarships to support individuals seeking rigger/signalperson training and certification or crane operator training and certification. This page highlights just a few of the many great recipients of a NCCCOF scholarship.

MAC T.

Type of scholarship received: Crane operator training and CCO certification

City/town you live in? Alexandria, Virginia

Thing your most excited about regarding starting your new crane career?
I am most excited about becoming proficient and trusted in multiple cranes.  I am currently operating a Manitowoc 30 ton and a Manitex 40 ton daily, but often I get to operate a few Liebherr 1070s, a Liebherr 175-ton, a Link-Belt 210 and even a Liebherr 360.  Here at Bay Crane, as I become proficient and trusted, leadership moves you up to a larger more capable crane. Exciting!

Most challenging thing about changing careers?
I changed careers late in my life (55) and I have found that the most challenging thing was starting over, from the bottom.  When I finished my first career, I had reached the pinnacle of an aviation inventory executive career, retiring from the Pentagon as the Aircraft Inventory Manager for the Navy and Marine Corps. Although, I started this new career by attending a CCO school (SEI, Harrisburg PA) first rather than going the 3-year apprentice route, I still started at the bottom.  I realized quickly that the learning curve was steep, but climbable, if I was willing to make the sacrifices. Here at Bay Crane, we are Local 77 Union and I work alongside many apprentices who are all at different levels of their respective journey earning their CCO, but we all started at the bottom.  I’ve had to sling chains and binders, haul freight, build and breakdown cranes at all hours and in all weather conditions from SC to PA…just building a strong foundation for my crane career.

Advice for others looking to get into the crane industry?
Don’t wait, get started today!  You will love it. I would call Stephenson Equipment Inc, in Harrisburg PA and get signed up for Swing Cab immediately.  Ray has done an amazing job developing the premier crane training facility and curriculum.  He has assembled the best instructors with years of experience to get you trained and ready for the industry.  Anthony (an instructor) has a plethora of knowledge in A&D and he still calls to check up on my development monthly. STAY HUMBLE.  Don’t rush the process because every evolution, every task you are giving is an opportunity to learn at new technique or a new process.  Be patient and know that in time, your day will come and before you know it, you will be operating the crane you dream of operating.

Thing you like most about working in the crane industry?
The thing I like the most about the crane industry is operating in the crane rental world; every day is a new endeavor filled with challenges I haven’t seen before and tomorrow there will be another set of challenges to overcome. Change is the only constant! I like something new every day and not just going to the same place every day doing the same duty cycle work.

Chelsea K.

Type of scholarship received: Crane operator training and CCO certification

City/town you live in?  I reside and live in the Northern California area and Traveled to Danville, Indiana for Crane Operator, Rigger and Signal person Training at “Train for the Crane” School along with my training at Dependable Crane School In West Sacramento, California!

Thing your most excited about regarding starting your new crane career?
I am Inspired and Determined stepping into a career that I truly enjoy and worked hard to earn. After completing my Crane School at Dependable Crane School in Sacramento, California and Train for the Crane In Danville, Indiana I have obtained all of my Certifications. I am now prepared and ready to apply my training in real world projects, operating lifts safely, picking in the blind, rigging, and continuing to grow every day. I’m excited to keep learning, building my skill set, and establishing myself as a dependable crane operator, Rigger and Signal person in the industry. I am Driven and eager in building real expertise in this skilled trade, operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently and continuing to grow within the crane industry while contributing to future large scale projects.

Most challenging thing about changing careers?
Transitioning from my CDL Class A trucking industry line of work to crane operations challenged me to expand my skill set beyond driving and hauling  into precision lifting and site coordination. It required discipline and humility to learn again, but in return elevated my strength’s and my career path.

Advice for others looking to get into the crane industry?
My advice for others wanting to step into the crane industry, I encourage you to take the time to get the proper training and certifications from a Highly recommended Top Tier accredited Crane School through the (NCCCO Foundation) and focus on safety from day one. It’s a demanding field, but building your skills systematically and learning from experienced operators will set you up for success. The hard work, commitment and dedication is well worth the Reward! Thank you NCCCO Foundation for setting the Foundation for my Future!

Thing you like most about working in the crane industry?
What I like most about working in the crane industry is being able to take everything I’ve learned from my CDL trucking experience to my crane certifications and apply it in a highly skilled, hands on way. I enjoy the precision and responsibility involved in every lift, rig and signal, and I take pride in contributing to projects safely and efficiently. Every day is a chance to learn something new and grow as a professional, which keeps me motivated and engaged. Knowing that my work and contributions will make a tangible difference on the job site while seeing a project come to completion is not only rewarding but impactful within the Crane industry and our communities. 

Allen C.

Type of scholarship received: Crane operator training and CCO certification

City/town you live in? Hiram, GA

Thing your most excited about regarding starting your new crane career?
The most exciting thing starting a new career is the opportunities that can change your life.

Most challenging thing about changing careers?
The most challenging thing when changing careers is what will be expected of you and what is needed to succeed.

Advice for others looking to get into the crane industry?
If you are interested in the crane industry I would first look into what type of crane you would like to operate and then look for a accredited crane school.

Thing you like most about working in the crane industry?
The thing I like most about my new career is you can get other certifications and advance in less time than an average promotion.

For anyone looking for more information about available NCCCO Foundation scholarships please go to www.ncccofoundation.org/scholarships. If you would like more information about the various exciting careers available in the crane industry including typical salaries, skills needed, benefits, top reasons to start a crane career, videos, and much more, visit the My Crane Career website at mycranecareer.org.