Houston Community Supports Career Exploration

Lift & Move USA, hosted by Liebherr USA in Houston, Texas, received one of the largest ever groups of students and educators on Nov. 7, 2019. Nearly 550 high school juniors, seniors, technical college students, teachers and administrators from 17 schools attended the event.

An outpouring of support from the Houston community included the presentation of a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The certificate was presented to Daniel Pitzer, Managing Director of Liebherr USA Co., by Ivory Mayhorn, CEO and Founder of Launch Point Community Development Center. Liebherr was recognized for its “commitment to shape technological advances in construction machinery.” In addition, Sylvester Turner, Houston’s Mayor, spoke to students about the career opportunities available to them by global employers such as Liebherr.  

Barnhart Crane & Rigging demonstrated remote control of a multi-axle SPMT trailer.

“In addition to showcasing operator and rigger occupations, as an OEM, Liebherr also highlighted manufacturing and equipment service jobs,” said Tracy Bennett, Director of Lift & Move USA. “For example, a human powered crane from Fluid Power Institute was part of a lesson on hydraulics safety. Likewise, multiple welding stations explained the complexity of skills needed for welding different types of materials. Lincoln Electric’s welding simulation exercises complemented those lessons,” she said. 

“Hands-on exploration is one of the best ways to introduce students to careers – especially ones that are critical and in high demand but less visible to the average student. Lift & Move is the type of event that can be a game changer for students,” said Susan Moore, Manager, Communications, Regional Workforce Development, for Greater Houston Partnership.

Sylvester Turner (left), Houston’s Mayor, with Daniel Pitzer (right), Managing Director of Liebherr USA Co.

A dozen cranes were on display or used at learning stations, including a 900-ton LTM 1750-9.1 mobile crane, a 550-ton LR 1500 crawler crane, a 110-ton LRT 1100-2.1 rough-terrain crane, and an 80-ton LTM 1070-4.2 mobile crane operated via Bluetooth control. In addition, Morrow Equipment Company demonstrated a Liebherr 81K.1 fast erect tower crane. “It was an honor for the Morrow team to be a part of the largest Lift & Move event to date. Students had great questions during the fast erect tower demo. We can’t wait for the next event,” said Dennis Germann, Technical Field Advisor for Morrow Equipment.

Liebherr staff explained the differences between mobile, crawler, RT, and tower cranes to students.

Bishop Lifting Products, Inc., showed students how to form and inspect wire rope slings; The Crosby Group demonstrated hook testing and load cells; Barnhart Crane & Rigging demonstrated remote control of a multi-axle SPMT trailer; and Deep South Crane & Rigging explained engineering, logistics, and project management. A full list of sponsors and simulator providers is found at https://www.liftandmoveusa.com/nov-2019.html.