3 minutes - magazine 02 | 2025

The circle closes – from apprentice to trainer

For a few years now, we’ve been following the impressive career of Ashleigh Kaliszuk, a career that has been shaped by large machinery. Or to be more accurate, by the Canadian’s fascination with mobile cranes.

Whether as a crane operator, photographer or blogger, Ashleigh pursues every one of her roles with unflagging passion. Now, the multi-talented Canadian is focusing on a new, exciting task: as a trainer for crane operators, she is passing on her extensive knowledge to new generations.

Practice makes perfect: from supporting the crane to securely fastening loads, the trainee crane operators learn how to safely control and operate the mobile crane as part of the practical module of their crane training.

The circle closes at precisely the place where it all began – at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton (Canada). Between 2011 and 2013, this is where Ashleigh completed her training to become a crane operator. With a decade of experience under her belt, she has returned to her old stomping grounds to train the next generation of mobile crane operators. With dedication, experience and expertise, Ashleigh is impressing talented newcomers and experienced professionals in equal measure. She is not only a skilled crane operator, but she’s also an inspirational mentor who is helping to shape the future of the industry.

State of the art: the Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 is the centrepiece of crane operator training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Ashleigh completed her three-year training and numerous hours of practical experience on a three-axle LTM 1045. This model has now been retired and replaced with a new Liebherr crane: thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian government, NAIT received a state-of-the-art LTM 1070-4.2 in September 2024. Equipped with the latest Liebherr technology, the 70-tonne model forms the centrepiece of the training programme at NAIT and offers trainees a learning experience of the very highest standard. The Liebherr mobile crane reflects the industryʼs high standards and prepares future crane operators perfectly for life in the cab. It’s no wonder that the graduates of the training programme are in great demand on the jobs market, since the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology boasts a leading reputation when it comes to training highly skilled professionals, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

For Ashleigh Kaliszuk, Liebherr is the standard bearer when it comes to crane technology. She appreciates the ability to carry out the training programme on the ultra-modern 4-axle mobile crane. However, for all the impressive technology, the Canadian has a small model of the LTM 1045 in her office as a nostalgic reminder and symbol of her beginnings and the most remarkable path that her career has taken her along so far.

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology is a technical and applied sciences polytechnic in Edmonton (Canada). Four locations offer a range of courses, including bachelorʼs degree programmes, training programmes and professional development courses. The polytechnic offers a broad range of academic disciplines, including economics, natural sciences, technology and health sciences. As one of the leading educational institutions in Canada, NAIT also represents one of the countryʼs largest training facilities.