In cooperation with the 2015 World of Concrete show, Crane Institute Companies, Crane Institute Certification (CIC), and Crane Institute of America (CIA), will bring two crane operator skillscompetitions to commercial concrete and masonry contractors, Feb. 3-5, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Making its debut is a Knuckleboom Crane Operator Challenge, which draws its skill assessment criteria from Crane Institute Certification’s articulating-boom crane certification. Three knuckleboom crane operators—one each day of the Outdoor Gold Lot Events—will win cash and other prizes.
In addition, four top-scoring telescopic-boom crane operators will earn the title of World of Concrete regional finalists and land spots in the championship round of the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Championship, to be held later in 2015.
CIC began holding regional events hosted by CIC practical examiners and their partners in October 2014. Regional competitions continue through June 2015. Regional winners will have a chance to compete for the championship, which features a grand prize of $10,000.
Judges and CIC practical examiners from Crane Institute of America and other organizations will oversee both the articulating-crane and telescopic-boom crane competitions at World of Concrete. The contests are designed to assess an operator's precision, depth perception, and load control.
“Tasks will reflect typical activities experienced on real job sites, which is a defining characteristic of CIC certifications,” said Jim Headley, CEO of CIC and president of Crane Institute of America. In addition, operators will be evaluated on proper rigging selection, sponsored by Columbus McKinnon.
“Crane Institute Companies is pleased to have been invited to participate in World of Concrete’s Outdoor Events. With educational sessions, hands-on activities, and hundreds of exhibitors, this show provides something for someone in every level of a construction contractor organization,” said Headley.
Western Star, and its dealers Hoover Truck & Bus Centers and Modern Group, will supply the cranes for the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition. Modern Group is supplying an Elliott 36127R boom truck mounted on a Western Star chassis for the telescopic-boom crane skills competition.
For the knuckleboom contest, Hoover Truck & Bus Centers is supplying a Hiab XS622 articulating-boom crane, also on a Western Star chassis. HBC Radiomatic will provide radio-remote controls for the Knuckleboom Crane Operator Challenge.
Both cranes will be set up on SafetyTech outrigger pads provided by DICA Outrigger Pads.
Supported by several professional concrete contractor associations, Crane Institute of America is offering registration discounts to operators who are employed by member companies of Concrete Foundations Association, National Precast Concrete Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, and the Tilt-Up Concrete Association. Member companies should contact Eduardo Carcache to receive a discount promo code at ecarcache@craneinstitute.com.
Crane operators are encouraged to pre-register for the competition, as limited spots are available. Registration for the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition is $50.
Operators can register for the competition at www.cicert.com/news/compete.
All participants in the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition must also be registered attendees of World of Concrete. Operators can register for the show at www.worldofconcrete.com/Attendee/Register.
The Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition will take place in the Gold Lot, across Paradise Road from the Las Vegas Convention Center's North Hall.
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