Candidate Spotlight: George Turner

George Turner is an experienced operator and the recipient of our 2025 Candidate Spotlight. Nearly 50 years ago, George began his career as a pipe fitter before transitioning to full-time crane operation in 2001. Today, he is a proud 4-Star Operator who has recertified with CCO four times over the course of his career. This means he has been a CCO certified operator for more than 20 years!
George is certified to operate Telescopic Boom Cranes with both
Swing and Fixed Cabs, as well as Service Trucks. CCO is appreciative for his ongoing commitment to maintaining his certification and for helping make the industry safer for operators and everyone involved.

Throughout his career, George has demonstrated a strong dedication to his craft and a clear understanding of the importance of certification in keeping both himself and others safe on the jobsite. His work in industrial construction has taken him across the United States, including projects in Colorado, North Carolina, Wyoming, Texas, California, and many more states. Allowing him to gain valuable knowledge and contribute to major projects nationwide.

“I think now you pretty much have to be CCO certified if you want to work in the United States,” George said. When George first entered the industry, certification was not a requirement. He recalls receiving hands-on instruction directly from his employer. But there was no official certification body like CCO helping to ensure operators are meeting the standards set by OSHA and ASME. Reflecting on that time, George said, “I was working in Remington, Virginia when I took my first CCO test. It was a good day with no wind and brand-new equipment. On the practical, I scored a 97, and I was happy!”

Since then, his CCO certification has opened doors to new opportunities, allowing him to tour different facilities and operate a wide range of cranes, including Liebherr, Tadano, and Grove models, and has helped him continue to work on many different jobsites throughout the United States.

Reflecting on his experience George said “Back in the day, it felt like we were all on the same page. On the jobsite, we knew each other well and did a lot of things together. But since then, the industry has grown, and now you don’t always know who’s on the other end of your hook.

George explained that CCO certification helps ensure everyone has the knowledge needed to operate safely and responsibly. “CCO certification helps make sure people don’t take risks that could cost them their certification and that you can trust the person on the other end of the hook, whoever that may be. Once again, putting us operators back on the same page,” he said.

For young operators starting out, George emphasized the importance of certification as the first step in building a successful career. “Your CCO certification will get you in the door for certain jobs,” he explained. “If a young man goes and gets his driver’s license, he might be good at driving in his hometown, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to drive in New York City. The same can be said for crane operators.”

He went on to emphasize that certification not only helps you get hired but gives young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience and grow as a professional. “CCO certification and professional experience go hand in hand,” he said. “The certification helps you get the experience, and the experience makes you a better operator.” George said.

Outside of work, George has carried his love of travel around the world. He fondly recalls a six-month trip that took him from Los Angeles to Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, Thailand, and onward into Europe, visiting London, Ireland, France, and Italy. He enjoyed it so much that he repeated the journey two years later. George has traveled to all 7 continents and has even swum in the Antarctic Ocean with the penguins.

We are proud to recognize George for his achievements, professionalism, and dedication to safety in the industry. His story reflects the value of certification, lifelong learning, and the rewarding paths available within the crane industry. Thank you, George, for being a difference maker in the industry!