The Florida-based facility will offer instructor-led training and workforce development for crane operators and riggers to help combat the skilled labor shortage
Industrial Training International (ITI), an Interplay Learning company and global leader in crane and rigging training, is proud to announce a new partnership with Adena Corporation to establish an ITI Training Center in Lakeland, Fla. The new facility began offering classes in October, expanding access to world-class crane and rigging training for construction and industrial professionals.
Adena Corporation is a respected name in the construction industry and has first-hand knowledge of the region’s skilled labor shortage. An employee-owned, family-owned and American-owned and operated company, Adena has made significant in-house investments in apprenticeship programs, a response to the decline in skilled labor within the construction industry.
“While many education systems struggle to produce job-ready technicians, Adena is taking a proactive approach by investing directly in workforce development,” said Randy A. Payne, CEO and president, Adena Corporation. “Through our partnership with ITI, the Lakeland Training Center will deliver hands-on, industry-validated training programs that prepare workers for high-demand technical roles, particularly in the crane and rigging field.”
The Lakeland training facility will provide a blend of practical instruction and classroom learning, with both indoor and outdoor spaces set up for students to learn safety protocols and gain hands-on experience with real crane and rigging setups. Students will have access to live cranes, experienced instructors and real-world training scenarios with simulated loads to build competency and confidence for the job site. Popular courses include Intermediate Rigging, Master Rigging with Qualification, Rigging Gear Inspector, Lift Director and Critical Lift Planning.
“Our hands-on, workshop-style classes led by industry experts ensure that crane, rigging and lifting professionals can acquire essential skills in a safe and controlled environment, which is challenging to master in normal working environments,” said Andrew Kauser, COO, ITI. “The partnership with Adena is a natural fit, as their commitment to excellence in workforce development aligns with our own.”
The new training center is already off to a strong start with its first Intermediate Rigging class, and additional sessions are filling quickly. To register for 2025 and 2026 classes, visit ITI’s website to learn more.
