Construction careers shouldn’t be limited by a traditional path. Some of the best builders in this industry didn’t start in a classroom. They started in the field – with grit, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. That’s the foundation of how Crossland was built.
That’s exactly why we created Red Iron Ready.
Today, we’re proud to celebrate our newest Red Iron Ready Class for 2026.
What Is Red Iron Ready?
Red Iron Ready is a career advancement program designed for field employees who are ready to take the next step.
It creates a clear path forward for those who didn’t pursue a college degree but have proven they have what it takes to lead. Through a combination of construction education and training, hands-on experience, and mentorship, participants are put on a fast-track toward leadership roles like:
- Assistant Superintendent (Crossland Construction)
- Craft Superintendent (Crossland Heavy Contractors)
This isn’t just training. It’s a structured investment in people who are already building the work every day.
Built on Legacy. Focused on the Future.
The name Red Iron Ready comes from our founder, Ivan Crossland Sr., nicknamed “Red Iron.”
He built this company the hard way. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just determination, work ethic, and a belief that opportunity should be earned and then passed on.
That same mindset drives this program today.
This isn’t about filling roles, we are developing the next generation of leaders who will carry that legacy forward.
How Employees Earn a Spot
This isn’t a sign-up program. It’s earned.
Participants must:
- Be hourly field employees
- Be nominated by a Superintendent
- Show leadership, initiative, and accountability
- Demonstrate the ability to see the bigger picture
These are the people others already rely on. Red Iron Ready gives them the structure to go further.
What the Program Delivers
Each Red Iron Ready class participates in focused two-day training sessions designed to build both technical skills and leadership capability.
Participants receive:
- Job-specific training tied to real-world jobsite operations
- Hands-on learning that applies immediately in the field
- Exposure to company resources and systems
- Mentorship and networking with company leadership
- Team-building experiences that strengthen camaraderie
Core training areas include:
- Jobsite Operations
- Communication
- Scheduling
- Layout
- Business Etiquette
It’s practical. It’s relevant. And it’s built for how construction actually works.
More Than Training—It’s Opportunity
Programs like Red Iron Ready are about more than skill development.
They’re about creating real career advancement opportunities in construction.
They show our teams that:
- Hard work gets noticed
- Leadership can be developed
- Growth doesn’t require leaving the field—it starts in it
This is how we strengthen our workforce and build long-term careers, not just jobs.
Welcoming the New Class
To our newest Red Iron Ready class, welcome.
You were selected because your work stood out. Because someone saw your potential to lead. Because you’ve already proven you can handle more.
Now it’s time to build on that.
Over the next year, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and experience to take the next step in your career. You’ll learn from leaders, grow alongside your peers, and challenge yourself in new ways.
We’re excited to see where you take it.
Building So Much More
At Crossland, we’re not just building projects.
We’re building people.
We’re building leaders.
We’re building careers that last.
Red Iron Ready is one more way we’re doing exactly that.
