NCCCO and HEC Recognize First Veterans in VICTOR Program

 Feb. 22, 2022 – The NCCCO Foundation and Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC) have named the first recipients of their VICTOR program.

The Veteran In Crane Training Outstanding Recognition (VICTOR) award is presented to the top-performing veteran in each HEC training class for NCCCO mobile crane operator certification.

HEC runs training classes for veterans both at Fort Irwin Army Base in California and at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

The four awardees who graduated at the top of their class are: David Carter and Gabriel Hope (Fort Irwin) and John Bleignier and William Hare (Joint Base Lewis-McChord). Each receives a $100 gift card, a YETI tumbler, and a Certificate of Achievement plaque.

While receipt of the VICTOR award surprised most awardees, all felt gratified to be recognized.

“Receiving this award encouraged me to pursue my education and further my career in this industry,”  said David Carter, while Gabriel Hope set a goal of getting a crane operating job “so that I can make a career out of it and become a proficient outstanding operator.”

All VICTOR recipients testified to the quality of instruction they received at HEC and expressed their appreciation for the focus on safety and the attention to detail provided by the instructors.

“A central component of the NCCCO Foundation’s mission is to facilitate access by veterans to the construction industry,” said NCCCO Foundation CEO Graham Brent, “particularly in the crane and rigging sector.  The VICTOR program is a small but significant step in that direction.”

“HEC is proud to help veterans and civilians to find rewarding careers in the construction industry,” said HECA CEO, Bob Albano, “and the VICTOR program serves to reward excellence among our veteran students.”

About the V.I.C.T.O.R. Award

The VICTOR Award Program was unveiled at the NCCCO Foundation’s Sixth Annual Industry Forum on Veterans Day, November 11, 2021.  Eligible participants must be a veteran and have completed the HEC Mobile Crane Training Program. Awards are issued in accordance with the program completion timeline. Through the sponsorship of the NCCCO Foundation, awardees receive a $100 gift card, a YETI tumbler, and a Certificate of Achievement.