Finding an Internship
A recent article published by Tech Ed magazine, explains the differences between internships and apprenticeships, and offers great suggestions for how to find an internship in your area. Networking, using social media and job boards are traditional ways for high school and post-secondary students to land an internship. But if you are specifically interested in a career in construction, crane and rigging, transportation, or heavy equipment, tapping information available on niche trade association websites may serve up even better information.
While not all of these associations have workforce development programs, internships, or scholarships, they each represent many employers in this career field. Seek out member directories and visit company websites to identify companies serving lifting, rigging, hauling, and related fields.
American Trucking Association supports Trucking U to help trucking companies and future workers find each other.
Associated Builders and Contractors has a National Student Chapter Network, which connects local ABC chapters to colleges and universities with construction related degree programs.
Association of Equipment Management Professionals
Associated General Contractors has more than 170 student chapters, and a career center.
Associated Wire Rope Fabricators
Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals
Association of Equipment Distributors Foundation provides certifications for heavy equipment technicians and scholarships. They recently awarded IRAP designation to two of its members.
Association of Equipment Manufacturers supports the I Make America campaign. Check out the companies that support this initiative in the scrolling bar at the bottom of the page. Visit their websites direct for companies that actively support workforce development.
NCCCO Foundation formed by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators supports various workforce development initiatives.
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association supports workforce development, including SC&RF (Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation), Lift & Move USA, Leadership Forum.
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation offers scholarships and career resources.
Steel Erectors Association of America
The Machinery Haulers Association
In addition, among the trade unions with apprenticeships that serve the crane, rigging, and specialized transportation market are:
The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union