As Indiana gears up to spend over $1 billion on infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years, the demand for skilled workers who operate and maintain heavy equipment will be at an all-time high. The nation is already experiencing a shortage in skilled workers in the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industries, and the gap will only continue to widen without efforts to attract, train and employ more people in these careers.
Buchanan Hauling and Rigging Inc. has partnered with Lift & Move USA for a full-day event in Indianapolis to inspire students to pursue opportunities in the heavy-equipment industry sector. The event, which is being co-hosted by Conexus Indiana and other organizations, will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on September 14 at Buchanan Hauling’s Indianapolis facility at 2502 West Epler Avenue. The event is open to students, ages 17-24, high school teachers, parents and veterans.
“Our workforce is aging, and we need young, aggressive, hardworking individuals to enter the hauling, lifting and rigging industry. Companies in this industry offer many great opportunities with good pay, benefits and the opportunity for advancement into management and business ownership,” said Geary Buchanan, president of Buchanan Hauling. “At the Lift & Move event, we will demonstrate and educate over 350 high school students about these great jobs, which present a young person with a pathway for success while earning a good paycheck and without incurring a large college debt.”
The Indianapolis event is the seventh Lift & Move USA event to be held this year. The Lift & Move event is held in communities across the country and has reached more than 2,000 students nationwide. In Indianapolis, Conexus Indiana is playing a central role in recruiting students to attend the event. As the creator of Hire Tech, Conexus Indiana has strong relationships with students and schools, encouraging students to pursue careers in advanced industries, such as those being highlighted at the Lift & Move event.
“With an estimated 1 million job openings expected in Indiana by 2025, it’s important that we expose young people to the in-demand, high-paying careers that Hoosier employers have to offer,” said State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), chairman of the House Committee on Education and one of the state’s leaders focused in improving Indiana’s education system. Behning will speak to students and teachers about Indiana’s strong business environment and growing career opportunities. “Indiana is taking serious steps to ensure that we have a pipeline of talent ready to fill these jobs. Lift & Move USA provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our state’s top business climate and efforts to build a growing workforce.”
Students who attend the event will experience a real working environment, engage with simulators and view equipment on site. Students also will rotate through various learning stations focused on different job opportunities, including logistics, crane/rigging operations, mechanics and welding, safety, transportation and sales/operations.