Features Cranes Education & Training Workforce
Heavy lifting’s heavy hitters: Meet Manbir Bharj

Ed. note: Each week, we’re highlighting one of the winners from Crane & Hoist Canada‘s 2021 Top 10 Under 40 contest. 

This week, we’re pleased to introduce you to Manbir Bharj, crane operator for Hans Air Systems in Norval, Ont.

Bharj is no stranger to the hard work required to be certified as a crane operator. He earned his trucking license in 2008 when his dad bought a crane truck to install air conditioners.

Next, it was school at Durham College and a journeyperson certification as a commercial tractor trailer driver. In 2011, he completed a course to operate mobile cranes. In 2017, he achieved his Hoisting Engineer 339A certification. Now, at 34 years old, he’s currently working on his 339B, which will allow him to become a full-fledged tower crane operator.

“Manbir is a kind, hardworking individual. He is not afraid to work and is always helpful,” says employer Kuldeep Singh.

Singh credits Bharj, who is Punjabi, for getting more youth in the South Asian community interested in becoming a crane operator, because he’s always game to share his knowledge.

“He is willing to help and gives 100 per cent, always. He is a good listener and always is willing to listen to what others have to say.”

Next up: Neil MacPherson at GWIL Crane Service.

Want to recognize a future leader? Nominations for the 2022 contest are now open. Winners receive a framed certificate recognizing their achievement and are featured in an issue of Crane & Hoist Canada.