Great heights for Matthew

– Shaun Inguanzo
MATTHEW Cole holds a blackbelt in karate but his real finesse can be seen while at work.
The Crane Aid employee could have sat back and taken his time learning the finer points of the construction crane industry – after all he was only 20 when he started.
Instead Matthew, now 24, has been willing to excel, taking up any challenge he can get his hands on.
In a recent example, Matthew jumped at the chance to create computer models of a recent job, whereby Crane Aid needed to slip a crane though a hole in a wall at an Albury paper mill.
The enthusiastic youngster ensured the job would be safe and achievable with no injury to staff and no damage to the building.
Matthew went to school at Hampton Park Secondary College where he proved he was as much a scholar as a hands-on wizard, scooping several Year 12 awards for maths, IT, and woodwork.
He was offered a job by Crane Aid, where he experienced fabrication, electrical and mechanical fields for several months before being offered a mechanical apprenticeship in fitting and turning in 2002.
Matthew again indulged in study and propelled his achievements to new heights by scoring a number of high distinctions during his Diploma in Engineering.
This year he is continuing his studies through an Advanced Diploma in Engineering.
“From day one I’ve always been really interested in the job,” he said. “I was given the opportunity to play in all fields and choose the one I liked the most. I was lucky to have that opportunity and anything I’ve been able to get into since, I’ve done.”
Matthew’s main role at Crane Aid is Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programming, where he feeds code into a machine that can accurately manufacture crane components.
His ability with CNC programming earned him a study tour to Japan in 2006, where he visited a world exhibition on manufacturing technology.
Matthew’s supervisor, Steve Maude, praised the young star in his nomination for the Youth Enterprise Award.
“Matt is self motivated, needs little supervision, takes initiative and has grown into the role.”
Matthew’s career goal is to one day manage Crane Aid.
He was quite humble speaking about his Young Enterprise Award nomination.
“I don’t really know what to say – it is a great feeling to know your hard work is recognised.”