The NCCCO Foundation is expanding its workforce‑development efforts with the launch of Crane Career Advisors, a new pilot program aimed at helping people learn more about career opportunities in the crane and load‑handling industry. The NCCCO Foundation is the nonprofit arm associated with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
The initiative is designed to connect individuals who are curious about crane work with professionals who have built long‑term careers in the field and can offer practical, experience‑based guidance.
The program is a direct response to gaps identified through its workforce research.
“Our workforce research and outreach made it clear that one of the issues with getting people interested and started on a crane career path is the lack of information available to the public,” said T.J. Cantwell, Executive Director of the NCCCO Foundation.
He noted that the organization’s My Crane Career website was created to address that challenge by offering accessible information about training, certification, and career pathways.
“The creation of the My Crane Career website was the first step in addressing the problem,” Cantwell said. “The Crane Career Advisors program is the next logical step, by providing individuals with no personal connections to the industry access to professionals who have built a successful and long‑term crane career.”
Through the new program, individuals who are serious about exploring crane‑industry careers can complete a request form on the My Crane Career website. Once submitted, the Foundation will match them with an advisor who can answer questions about training, certification, day‑to‑day work, and long‑term opportunities.
The Foundation emphasizes that the program is intended for people who are genuinely considering a career in the field and want direct insight from those already working in it.
The Crane Career Advisors initiative reflects the broader industry need for skilled workers and the ongoing effort to raise awareness about the variety of roles available in crane operations, inspection, rigging, and related specialties. By offering a structured way for newcomers to speak with experienced professionals, the Foundation aims to reduce barriers to entry and support a stronger, more informed workforce pipeline.
Founded in 2018, the NCCCO Foundation serves as a leading pathway into the crane and load‑handling industry by advancing safety, strengthening workforce knowledge, and fostering rewarding, lifelong careers. Based in the United States, the Foundation supports the industry through research, collaboration, and practical resources that promote safety, certification awareness, and workforce development.
For more information, visit www.ncccofoundation.org.