Sterling Crane USA recently partnered with the Construction Careers Academy (CCA) in San Antonio, Texas, to connect with students exploring careers in the construction industry. The event provided an opportunity for students to learn more about crane and rigging operations and gain firsthand insight into skilled trade career pathways.
The Construction Careers Academy (CCA) is a career-focused high school program designed to prepare students for future opportunities in the construction and skilled trades industries. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and exposure to real-world job environments, CCA equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills that support both immediate workforce entry and continued education. By connecting students with industry professionals, programs like CCA play a vital role in building a strong, skilled workforce for the construction industry’s future.
During the visit, students heard directly from Sterling Crane USA team members, including Branch Manager Trace O’Brien, Crane Operator Ben Kenkel, and Crane Rigger Diego Acuna. The group shared real-world perspectives on working in the crane and rigging industry, emphasizing the importance of safety, training, and hands-on experience in construction careers.
Raising awareness of crane and rigging careers is an important step in strengthening the construction workforce. Many students are unfamiliar with the variety of roles that support crane operations, from riggers and operators to technicians, supervisors, and safety professionals. By providing early exposure to these careers, industry engagement helps students better understand the skill, training, and responsibility involved, while highlighting the long-term stability and growth opportunities available within the crane and rigging industry.
O’Brien highlighted his own career progression within Sterling Crane USA, beginning as a rigger in 2013 and advancing to operator, C&R supervisor, and ultimately branch manager. His story demonstrated how commitment, mentorship, and continued skill development can lead to long-term career growth in the crane and rigging field.
The visit underscored Sterling Crane USA’s commitment to workforce development and industry education. By partnering with programs like Construction Careers Academy, the company aims to help students better understand skilled trades and the role crane and rigging professionals play in building and maintaining critical infrastructure.
Through continued engagement with educational institutions, Sterling Crane USA is investing in the future of the construction workforce and helping prepare the next generation of industry professionals.