Industry News, News

Reflecting on a year of highs and lows

As we approach the end of 2025, it’s clear that this year has been a big one for our industry. There’s been no shortage of initiatives, advancements, and collective progress that have moved us forward. It’s been exciting to see how we’ve continued to grow in both professionalism and excellence.

I do want to acknowledge that it’s been a year of highs and lows for many in our community. For some, 2025 has brought its fair share of challenges, and I want to take a moment to recognise the hard work, resilience, and dedication you’ve all shown in navigating these times.

One of the things CICA’s been particularly excited about this year is the increased interest in professional development. More and more people are completing the Articulated Mobile Crane course, the Lift Supervisor course, and other critical training programs that are shaping the future of our workforce. It’s fantastic to see our industry taking the steps needed to build a more highly-skilled, qualified workforce. This is exactly the kind of momentum we need to ensure we remain at the forefront of safety, innovation, and operational excellence.

If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend checking out the Crane Industry Careers video and the reels on the CICA socials. We were absolutely blown away by the number of contributors from across the industry, each sharing their personal stories and showcasing the diverse and rewarding career paths available within our field. It’s a powerful reminder of the opportunities we offer – not just in terms of technical expertise, but also in career growth, job satisfaction, and the pride that comes with working in such a dynamic sector.

Another highlight from this year was the launch of the National Training Model proposal at Conference. This is an exciting development that will further enhance our training of new industry entrants and contribute to the ongoing professionalisation of our industry. With this model, we’re looking at a future where our workforce is even more equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

CICA President Marcus Ferrari. Image: CICA.

Speaking of Conference, I’m still coming down from the energy and excitement of this year’s event. It was an absolute pleasure to see so many of you there, and I think it’s safe to say we had a record turnout! It was our biggest conference yet, and we hope you found it valuable – whether it was through networking with peers, exchanging ideas, or taking part in the diverse workshops on offer. The conference is always a reminder of just how strong and collaborative our industry truly is.

As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy and Safe Christmas. Take time out to recharge and spend quality time with those who matter most. If you know of anyone who’s having a tough time this Christmas, remember that a small gesture or kind word can mean the world to them.

Thank you for your continued support and for everything you do to make this industry thrive. CICA’s Board, volunteers and staff are incredibly proud to serve such a dedicated community, and we’re excited for what lies ahead. Let’s continue working together to achieve even greater things in 2026.

Marcus Ferrari

CICA President

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