The NCCCO Foundation has released new research examining how military veterans enter and experience careers in the crane industry, offering insights aimed at helping employers better recruit, support, and retain veteran talent.
Conducted in partnership with SmallBox Consulting, the study explores four central questions: how veterans discover crane careers, why they are well-suited for the work, what makes the industry a strong match for their skills, and what challenges they encounter when transitioning into civilian roles.
According to the Foundation, the findings reinforce the value veterans bring to crane operations and related trades. “The new research reinforces that veterans represent an untapped source of high-quality potential employees and that the crane industry provides a unique environment that is a very good fit for the skills and values of veterans,” explained T.J. Cantwell, Executive Director of the NCCCO Foundation. “Recruiting more veterans and learning ways to better communicate and reach them is truly a win-win situation for everyone.”
The full report is available for free download on the NCCCO Foundation website, offering data-driven insights for employers, trainers, and workforce development professionals.
To complement the publication, the Foundation also hosted a webinar featuring veteran speakers who support service members transitioning into crane-related careers. The session included a Marine Corps veteran with 14 years of crane operating experience, who shared practical advice for both job-seeking veterans and companies looking to hire them.
A recording of the webinar is available online, providing an accessible resource for organizations seeking to strengthen their veteran outreach and workforce strategies. www.ncccofoundation.org/educational-webinars.
The NCCCO Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2018 to advance safety in the crane and lifting industries through education, research, and workforce development initiatives. Learn more at: www.ncccofoundation.org.