Hoosier Crane Service Company Lifts Careers to New Heights Through Upskilling

Hoosier Crane Service Company, headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, is transforming workforce development by making upskilling a central part of its company culture. The organization is committed to equipping employees at every stage of their careers, from youth apprentices to seasoned professionals, with the skills needed to succeed in a specialized and growing industry.

The company began in 2002 as a small regional service provider with just five employees. Today, Hoosier Crane Service Company manufactures nearly 90 percent of its cranes in-house and operates multiple service hubs across Indiana, including Valparaiso, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis. Just as its products are tailored to meet customer needs, its approach to employee development is equally personalized.

The focus on upskilling started long before formal programs were introduced. “We made investments into the infrastructure of the business, but probably around 2016 we co-challenged ourselves to upskill our staff,” said Todd Cook, CEO of Hoosier Crane Service Company. That commitment evolved into a philosophy centered on creating clear career paths and structured training programs that allow employees to grow alongside the business.

One of the most impactful initiatives has been the Hoosier Crane Service Company Apprenticeship Program, which has become a cornerstone of the company’s workforce strategy. “Our apprenticeship program allows us to grow talent from the ground up. By working closely with apprentices early on, we’re building skilled technicians who understand our culture, our standards, and our customers from day one, which leads to stronger engagement, safer work practices, and long-term career growth,” said Casey Clopton, Project Coordinator at Hoosier Crane Service Company.

The program has not only shaped the careers of apprentices but also strengthened the organization. “Hoosier Crane Service Company’s Apprenticeship Program has challenged not only our apprentices, but our entire organization. As we enter our sixth year, it’s remarkable to see how far the program has come since those early conversations about elevating it. It has made us better as a team, strengthening collaboration, integrity, and pride as we watch apprentices grow into skilled professionals and confident young adults,” added Derek Bukrajewski, Director of Service at Hoosier Crane Service Company.

The Apprenticeship Program has opened doors for many young professionals, including Ashton Blasko, who began working at Hoosier Crane during his senior year at Jimtown High School through the company’s Youth Apprenticeship Program. After graduating in spring 2024 and completing the apprenticeship later that year, Ashton was hired full-time as a Service Technician (Level 1). He is now on track for a promotion to Service Level 2 in February 2026. Reflecting on his experience, Ashton said: “I am very blessed to have been given the opportunity to be a part of Hoosier Crane’s Apprenticeship Program. This program has taught and given me lifelong work skills and valuable relationships. I have many great mentors here and am excited for the abundant room for growth and development within this career I can achieve. I am very thankful to have been able to start at such a young age being in high school and for all the great people here that make it feel like family.”

Hoosier Crane Service Company encourages employees to set clear goals and pursue advancement through a structured, tiered career path. For instance, service technicians can progress through four levels, moving from entry-level roles to expert mentors. This framework grew out of the company’s youth apprenticeship program, which sparked a broader cultural shift toward career development. Today, orientation sessions, annual reviews, and coaching conversations all include discussions about short-term objectives and long-term aspirations.

The results have been significant. Employees gain new skills that lead to substantial wage increases. Entry-level technicians typically start in the high teens to low twenties per hour, while top-tier technicians earn more than forty dollars per hour. Experienced hires often see wage growth of 20 to 40 percent as they advance through the company’s structured tiers. Beyond financial rewards, the approach has strengthened engagement and retention. “It really flipped us upside down on the way we think about upskilling and it trickled into the rest of our business and it just went like wildfire in a good way,” Cook explained. Long-term employees have embraced mentorship roles, helping preserve the family-oriented culture that has been part of Hoosier Crane Service Company since its early years.

The journey of Hoosier Crane Service Company demonstrates how upskilling can serve as both a workforce development strategy and a driver of business success. By investing in its people, the company has strengthened operations, increased engagement, and built a reputation as a supportive and forward-thinking employer.

To learn more about Hoosier Crane Service Company, visit hoosiercrane.com.

Power Up Indiana is a new incentive program rewarding employers to grow wages, build stronger teams, and turn talent development into a long-term business advantage. To learn more about Power Up Indiana, visit powerup.dwd.in.gov.