Award Winners Seek to Advance or Change Careers

Osiel Alonzo, received $4,500 towards a crane operator course at West Coast Crane.

Scholarship applicants are often introduced to careers in crane, rigging, and specialized transportation after first working in related industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, or oil and gas. This is true for several of the recipients of the April and June 2020 SC&RF Vocational/Technical and Partner in Education Scholarships, who are using the awards to jump start new careers. However, scholarships also open to recent high school graduates with no experience or CTE teachers.

Osiel Alonzo, a recent high school graduate, received $4,500 to be used toward a Crane Operator course at West Coast Crane. (Vocational/Technical Scholarship & White Brothers Continuing Education Scholarship, June 2020)

John Bible came in contact with crane operators while driving heavy machinery and commercial vehicles. Pursuing crane operator certification will help him launch a new career as he works to put four children through college. He received $2,500 toward a Crane Operator Course taught by Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB). (Vocational/Technical Scholarship & JK Crane Continuing Education Scholarship, April 2020)

Andrew Brosnac, who is working as an oiler for Maxim Cranes, received 100 percent tuition for the Morrow Tower Crane Operator course. (Partner in Education Scholarship, June 2020)

Elisabeth Eggleston has worked in the oil field for four years, where she earned her CDL and has heavy equipment operation experience. She received 50 percent tuition for CICB Crane Operator course, which she views as an investment in her career. (Partner in Education Scholarship, June 2020)

Lawrence Franco is currently working in construction and operating a forklift. By becoming a crane operator, he hopes to be able to provide a better life for his family. He was awarded $2,500 toward a Crane Operator Course taught by CICB. (Vocational/Technical Scholarship & Heartland Communications/Crane Hot Line Continuing Education Scholarship, April 2020)

Brandon Manning is currently a rigger working for Southern Lifting and Hoisting. He is looking to expand his rigging knowledge. He received 100 percent tuition for CICB Rigger Level 1/Signal Person course. (Partner in Education Scholarship, June 2020)

Jennifer Marotta received 100 percent tuition for a CICB Rigger/Signalperson course. She was encouraged to pursue this career path by crane operators working for Nimble Crane, a Texas crane service provider. (Partner in Education Scholarship, April 2020)

Ishmael Muhammad previously worked as a crane operator then moved to factory work. He wants to increase his knowledge as a crane operator and re-enter the industry because of the stability and career opportunities. He received 50 percent tuition for CICB Crane Operator course. (Partner in Education Scholarship, June 2020)

Joshua Samuel was laid off from a floor hand position on an oil rig in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthering his education allows him to pursue his dream of becoming a crane operator. He received 50 percent tuition for a CICB Crane Operator Course. (Partner in Education Scholarship, April 2020)

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