Published on November 03, 2022
Students in NAIT’s Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator program will gain hands-on experience with two machines frequently used on job sites as the result of a donation by the Myshak Group of Companies. The company has donated the use of a boom truck and a rough terrain crane valued at $1.2 million, as well as assisted NAIT with the procurement of an all-terrain crane to add to the program located at the Spruce Grove campus.
As a company that supplies both cranes and the people to operate them, Myshak values the training provided by NAIT, says the company’s vice president and general manager, Jeremy Sparks (Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane ‘03).
"We need to know there is a good group of people coming behind us, not only for our business growth but also for succession planning as the workforce ages," Sparks says.
NAIT is all about hands-on learning but acquiring new equipment is costly, says Matt Lindberg, dean of the School of Skilled Trades. "The machines donated by Myshak will enhance the educational experience that students receive at NAIT and help ensure they are job-ready."
Myshak is also supporting students by donating $10,000 to create two scholarships: one for a boom truck apprentice and one for a mobile crane apprentice. The scholarships are one way the company is encouraging more people to complete the training needed to become an Alberta-certified journeyperson, says Shannon Logan, vice president of human resources with Myshak.
"Crane operators are key personnel that make essential decisions on the job site that keep everyone safe, so their training is important," says Logan. "The scholarships ease the financial burden of getting the required training and make it less impactful on the pocketbook while they are in school."
The donation from Myshak builds on a long-standing relationship with NAIT that goes back almost 20 years. "I greatly appreciate Myshak’s investment in training the next generation of skilled trades workers," says Lindberg. "Partnerships with industry are essential to ensure we can respond to current and future needs."
About Myshak
The Myshak Group of Companies is a family owned and operated service group. They are supplier of both operated and bare industrial and commercial crane, and equipment rentals. They have various transportation and warehousing solutions and other services.
The group has over 20 years of work experience in industrial oil and gas (live plant and new construction sites), industrial site maintenance, commercial building construction, module fabrication and windmill construction, to name a few. Myshak provides safe and reliable crane and rigging rentals, storage services and site service equipment rentals, with locations strategically placed across Canada to better serve customers.
About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With 35,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to the provincial economy. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping business and industry become more competitive with Industry Solutions offered through its Productivity and Innovation Centre, including technology adoption, business and product innovation and industry-driven research. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.
Myshak Group of Companies champions hands-on learning
More than $1.2 million in equipment and scholarships supports future crane operators
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