What happens when a non-profit organization committed to helping people find work teams up with one of Canada’s best crane training companies? Something amazing. Since 2020, EMBERS and Bigfoot Crane Company have worked together to help hundreds of people start new careers in construction. Here’s their story.
Who is Embers?
EMBERS is special. They’re one of the few companies in Canada that helps people get into construction work, no matter their background. They do this by:
- Paying for expensive training that workers couldn’t afford on their own
- Connecting workers with good jobs
- Supporting people while they learn and grow in their new careers
Think of them as a bridge between people who want work and companies that need workers.
The Problem They Faced
British Columbia’s construction industry has some big challenges:
- Many experienced workers are retiring (about 70,000 jobs will need to be filled)
- Training for construction jobs is expensive
- Finding good, reliable training programs is hard
Many people don’t know about the great careers available in construction.
Enter Bigfoot Crane Company
In 2020, EMBERS found exactly what they were looking for in Bigfoot Crane Company. Lynne Tapper, who manages training programs at EMBERS, puts it simply:
“What I like about Bigfoot is that they’re consistent – I know what I’m getting with them. They’re all about quality and integrity.”
What Makes The Partnership Work?
1. Top-notch Training Programs
- Training for hoist operators
- Safety certifications
- Heavy equipment operation
2. Cool New Technology
- A state of the art crane simulator
- Hands on practice
- Modern safety training
3. Making Training Affordable
- EMBERS covers the $2,000 training cost
- Workers can focus on learning, not worrying about money
The Success Stories
1. Amazing Numbers
- More than 100 people trained as hoist operators
- Only one person hasn’t passed in four years
- Nearly everyone loves the training
2. Young People Love It
- Classes are always full
- Parents are calling to get their kids enrolled
- The simulator makes learning fun and real
- Young people are getting excited about construction careers
3. Real Life Changes
- The program is changing lives:
- Some workers now earn $27+ per hour
- People are moving from dead end jobs to real careers
- One worker went from nearly homeless to having a great career
- Many find long-term success in construction
The Cool Part: Training With Simulators
Bigfoot Crane Company bought a special crane simulator that’s changing how people learn:
- It’s like a super-realistic video game that teaches real skills
- Students can practice without any risk
- Young people especially love the technology
- It helps people decide if crane operation is right for them
What's Next?
The partnership keeps growing with:
- More programs for beginners
- Special programs for young people
- New types of training
- More ways to help people start construction careers
Why This Matters
This partnership shows what’s possible when companies work together to help people succeed. As Lynne Tapper says:
“I want this partnership to expand… Bigfoot has taken chances and shown vision. They’re growing with us to meet what the industry needs.”
The Bottom Line
When EMBERS and Bigfoot Crane Company work together, everyone wins:
- Workers get great training and better jobs
- Construction companies get skilled workers
- Young people find exciting careers
- The construction industry gets stronger
It’s proof that when companies focus on quality training and really helping people, amazing things happen.
Want to learn more about starting a career in construction? Contact EMBERS or Bigfoot Crane Company today.
