Deep South Crane & Rigging and Berard Transportation will co-host a one-day careers event for students and veterans Nov. 15 in Baton Rouge, La., as part of a national careers initiative through Lift & Move USA. The event will be the first in Louisiana and up to 400 students are expected to attend from local high schools and colleges. Attendees will learn about vocational, technical and service job opportunities available in the crane, rigging and heavy transport industry.
Jeremy Landry with Baton Rouge-based Deep South Crane & Rigging said the company has seen a skilled labor shortage in the United States, with shortfalls in the number of young people entering craft or trade occupations. “The aim of the program is to show young people the range of rewarding career opportunities in our industry,” said Landry. “There are a whole host of jobs such as crane operators, drivers, mechanics, and riggers with companies like ours.”
“The key thing about the day is that students get to speak to people who are actually working in the industry,” added Brett Berard of Berard Transportation. “It’s not a classroom-style event. The students will see equipment and hear first-hand from workers who have made successful careers for themselves in the industry.”
Lift & Move USA is an industry-led program with events held around the country hosted by prominent companies. More than 2,500 students have attended the events so far. Students are shown an alternative to college or university degrees as a path towards a career. Students also learn that some jobs can be well paid, with many large equipment operators making six figure salaries.
