Street CraneXpress, the Sheffield-based national crane service provider, has been shortlisted for two awards highlighting companies around the world that have done the most to raise standards in the lifting industry.
A Street CraneXpress engineer wearing safety gear for working at height
Its record in training apprentices and improving the skills of its established engineers sees it on a shortlist of three – competing against organisations in the United Arab Emirates and Australia – in recognition of its commitment to people development.
Meanwhile, Street CraneXpress is also on a shortlist of five British companies in the running for the safety award, backed by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), the leading global representative body for the lifting industry.
The firm, in Tyler Street, Wincobank, is part of the award-winning specialist engineering group, SCX. It also has its own training centre, the SCX Academy, offering a four-year apprenticeship programme.
Street CraneXpress Director Ray Fletcher said: “We place employee development at the forefront of the business, whether that employee is completely new to the industry or has been with the company for many years.
“Similarly, we are committed to ensuring technical advances in the industry are matched by the highest safety standards for our employees and customers.
“To be shortlisted for these awards – the first time the SCX Group has been in the running for international honours – is tribute to the efforts we have made and continue to make.
“It’s tremendous that our approach has been recognised by the leading representative body for the lifting industry worldwide.”
A Street CraneXpress apprentice holding an electrical plan, while an engineer is fitting out an electrical panel
Street CraneXpress is the only UK-owned national crane service provider, specialising in ensuring the efficiency and safety of overhead travelling cranes, jib cranes and associated hoists.
It is on the shortlists for the LEEA Kevin Holmes Memorial Award for Excellence in People Development and for the LEEA Safety Award, which highlights health and safety innovations. Both prizes will be presented at the LiftEx 2018 Awards Gala Dinner in Milton Keynes on November 14.
The SCX Academy sees apprentices on a ‘training passport’ scheme in Street CraneXpress’s own workshops and at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), turning local students into fully qualified crane engineers.
Students are mentored by Street CraneXpress’s own engineers, undertake e-training, learn about safety, and gain experience in all parts of the SCX group. In-house training for new products and initiatives, tools and techniques, and the latest legislative changes is extended to all company engineers.
The apprenticeship encompasses an NVQ level 3 in electrical engineering, as well as an HNC in electrical and electronic engineering. All successful apprentices have the option to continue their studies to gain an HND.
The ratio of apprentices to engineers at Street CraneXpress is 1:4, with the company determined to take the initiative in addressing a shortage of experienced overhead crane engineers. Two new apprentices are taken on each year.
International recognition for Street CraneXpress, which employs around 60 staff, comprising engineers, as well as sales and office staff, coincides with the best financial results in its 40-year history. It continues to record steady growth as part of the family-owned group.
Clients include Arconic Forgings, JCB, Siemens, Perkins Engines, Hitachi, Toyota Manufacturing, Urenco and Bombardier Transportation.