Impressive lift jumpstarts Lift & Move USA careers day

The first Lift & Move USA event of 2017 was a great success for as many as 250 Tampa area high school and college students. Last Tuesday, February 14^th, marked the first Lift & Move USA of 2017.

Hosted by ALL Crane Rental of Florida in Tampa, Florida, the event gave high school and college students an opportunity to learn more about the crane, rigging and specialized transport industry and the career opportunity it offers.

Kicking off the event, students were transfixed by the lift of a Manitowoc 2250 Maxer attachment wagon using a Liebherr LTM 1100 telescopic boom wheeled mobile crane. The students whipped out their cell phones to snap photos of the lift taking place before their eyes.

“It’s so awesome to have the chance to learn about all the opportunities in this industry,” said Mindy Edgeman, at teacher at Lennard High School. “There are so many more than we realize that are out there.”

One of her students, Isela Molina, reflected that she didn’t realize how much patience is required to work these large machines in order to keep everyone safe.

“My favorite part of today was the welding [simulator], because I had a lot of patience. I had a lot of fun, and I got a good score,” said Molina.

Mitch McDonald, general manager at ALL Crane Rental of Florida highlighted the importance of a strong work ethic and fortitude for whatever job you may find yourself doing.

“It all starts with passion,” said McDonald. “If this [industry] is the kind of stuff you like, great, if it’s something else, whatever you feel in your heart, have a passion for it. If you don’t have a passion for it, you might want to rethink what it is you’re going to do.

“Once you have a passion for what it is you’re doing, and you have pride, and respect for anyone you run across, a light will shine on you. And everything will work out just fine.”

Lift & Move USA is organized by the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), crane operator certification body NCCCO, publisher KHL Group, and the SC&R Foundation.

ALL Crane's Mitch McDonald was among the several speakers who emphasized that they had started in the industry in entry level positions, for example, as operators. They worked their way up the ladder, growing in success, knowledge and commitment to their careers.

Emphasis was also placed on the job opportunities in the industry that are not just restricted to men. Many of the presenters highlighted the fact that crane operators, inspection technicians, marketing positions and others are held by female employees and they are some of the best in the business.

The event was a success, bringing in nearly 250 Tampa area students who left at the end of the day with a much greater understanding of the opportunities the industry holds, and quite possibly a stronger interest in pursuing a career within it.

Lift & Move USA’s next event will be hosted by Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) on May 3, in Chicago, IL. For details of the program see www.liftandmoveUSA.com