September 24, 2019 – The Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) honored Deep South Crane & Rigging with their Best of Division I Award at the 12th annual Craft Workforce Development Awards on Thursday, September 19th. The awards recognize industrial construction and maintenance contract companies who demonstrate excellence investing in workforce development programs, which include elements such as recruitment, assessment, training, career path development, and retention of employees. Eligibility is based on nominations by GBRIA members, who submit their highest performing contractors for consideration. Deep South was nominated by ExxonMobil.

“We appreciate the nomination from ExxonMobil, Baton Rouge in recognition of our efforts to provide a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to them in support of their rigging, lifting, and hauling needs,” said Louise Landry, Safety Advisor at Deep South.

Deep South’s workforce program starts with identifying eligible candidates for hire, then developing their abilities with on-the-job training, mentoring, and experience in our industry. As employees demonstrate competency in their field, they are moved into levels and areas with more responsibility and authority. Focus is placed on promoting within the organization and developing personnel into their best roles. The result is a workplace that is driven by employees who know the tools and methods for getting the job done safely, timely, and effectively.

Furthering this commitment, in 2017, Deep South established the Heavy Hitters campaign to attract 17-24 year old talent to the industry. Local schools use Heavy Hitters campaign materials to discuss and inspire young people with real-world opportunities for success using their natural and sometimes overlooked skill set. One of the first programs to move forward under the Heavy Hitters campaign was Louisiana's first Lift & Move USA event at the Deep South headquarters in Baton Rouge, LA in 2017. Deep South will also co-host a Lift & Move USA event in Houston, TX on November 7, 2019.

“We believe investing in workforce development is investing in our future,” said Kate L. Varisco of Deep South. “We love our people, our business, and our industry, and we believe promoting it will bring the next generation of skilled talent our way. We are especially honored to receive this award because we have invested heavily in our training program and believe it is our most valuable tool in keeping people safe.”

The Craft Workforce Development Awards began in 2007 to help improve skills and promote best practices for craft workforce development in the region. Industrial contractors who have worked at GBRIA member sites, GBRIA members plants, innovators of workforce development, area high schools and area post-secondary education institutions are all eligible and encouraged to participate in this awards program.