Smash hit on the move
THE iconic Hulk-themed crane that towers above the M1 at Helensvale is on the move after three smashing years amusing motorists with its Marvel figures and colourful night lights.
The state’s only training crane belongs to Matthew and Emma Nolan, Pacific Pines locals who own and operate On The Job Training, a registered training organisation.
Specialising in providing real-life training and assessment for high-risk work licences (HRWL) both at customers’ sites and its yard, the business is relocating to Stapylton near Yalata.
It was founded in 2015 when Mr Nolan would train people from his balcony, the back of his ute and hired-out rooms. The business is now the leading facility for HRWL in southeast Queensland.
“We’ve worked hard to adapt to the needs of our clients, offering online podcasts, videos and documentation to help them learn some of the tricker material,” he said.
Mr Nolan said the new site was effectively double the size of the Helensvale venue at 6000sq m, meaning course offerings of earthmoving and
civil tickets could be expanded.
“We’ll be able to increase our student placements and have an undercover training facility and new machinery,” he said.
“There’s also 1500sq m available for future opportunities or partnerships, zoned by the Gold Coast City Council for educational use.”
A self-described child at
heart, Mr Nolan said he decided to have the 45m crane painted purple and green for his son Neo, who at the time loved the Hulk.
Originally a large figurine of the Marvel super hero sat pride of place on the crane, but as it aged it was replaced with a Hulk billboard.
Mrs Nolan said she was sad the crane was moving, particularly since it would not
be as visible from the M1.
“At first, we had an actual character up there and it would get moved and we thought it would be fun for people who drove by to look out for each time they passed,” she said.
Like the majority of small businesses on the Gold Coast, Mr Nolan said the business had taken a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it
was a “game changer for the VET industry”.
“But we’re optimistic about our future and we intend to be at the forefront of progress,” he said.
“Initiatives such as virtual reality, increasing safety and reducing our carbon footprint while maximising students’ exposure to scenarios, environments and crane models is all part of our future.”