A fascination with big machinery and a chance to change the future of their lives – is the common thread with three new mobile crane operators and winners of Crane Tech’s Professional Operator Development Scholarship.
First Place – Eric P.
First place winner, Eric Perreault stated in his essay, “My love of big equipment began at a young age, I have had a successful career as a welder/fabricator but want to do more for my family and becoming a crane operator is just the next logical step as far as I can see.” Eric was awarded $1,000 towards Crane Tech’s three week program as a result of his professional demeanor, dedication to learning the skills of the trade, and above average results during both Crane Tech’s written exams and the NCCCO written and practical exams. Since attending the Crane Tech course in November, Eric has secured several short-term operator jobs and in January stared as a full-time operator at a large, national crane rental corporation.
Runner Up – Joel R.
Runners-up, Joel Roper and David McKibbin, were each awarded $500 as a result of their desire to improve their lives, their dedication to learning through Crane Tech’s program, and their high test results. Interestingly, both men have been truck drivers by trade and after hauling loads and cranes to and from building sites over the years they were ready to take on a new challenge. In a video interview with Crane Tech, Joel reminisced on seeing the cranes build the Seattle Space Needle at a young age, which started a lifelong fascination with cranes.
Runner Up – David M.
While David had some operating experience 10 plus years ago, he had never received proper training. In his essay David stated, “In the past I looked at load charts and asked questions but always walked away thinking it was a foreign language. Since attending Crane Tech’s program, I can read load charts now and know how to properly use them!” Both David and Joel attended the December course and are looking for their first jobs as NCCCO-certified mobile crane operators.
The scholarships were awarded by Crane Tech as a result of our Field Services Manager and Senior Trainer, Jeff Ellis, donating his scholarship from the Crane Hot Line Top Professional Trainer Award for 2015. The educational scholarship’s primary function is to invest in the future of crane and rigging industry. When prompted,Mr. Ellis commented, “I’m happy to be able to give back and help these new mobile crane operators begin their careers with the proper education and knowledge. All I ask is that they pay it forward and pass along their new found knowledge when they are in a situation to help.”
Congratulations to Eric, David and Joel on winning the scholarship and to taking the next steps in their lives and careers! Remember, Safety through Education is more than just our motto, it is our guiding principle. For more information on Crane Tech’s Professional Operator Development Course, where you can learn how to operate mobile cranes, or our other mobile crane training opportunities email or call 800-290-0007.
P.S. If you want to find out more about any one of these new operator’s stories and their experience at Crane Tech, check out these videos:
