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From agriculture to Ainscough, Crane Operator Jamie Holden at the Great Yarmouth depot has seen it all. We sat down with Jamie to find out about his career and more…
Throughout my career, I’ve always felt lucky to work alongside heavy plant machinery, something I’ve always been interested in. From leaving the army, I went into agriculture, and from there moved into plant hire, all the while working with various weights, sizes and capabilities of machinery.
It was around Christmas 2024 that I was searching for a new career direction, when I was made aware of an opening at Ainscough’s Great Yarmouth depot by my old colleague Michelle Butcher. Having spoken with her about Ainscough, the team and the culture, this seemed like a perfect opportunity.
From the start I could tell that Ainscough was different to other companies I’d worked with. The team are attentive and caring, a lot like a second family. I feel as though my ambition has been listened to, and that I’ve been given every chance to progress my career, whist simultaneously being understanding of my young family.
I started work in January 2025 as a crane operator, having worked on 130tn cranes prior. In just over a year, I’ve had the chance to move up weight classes, and the highlight of my career so far was operating a 300tn crane at the Sizewell C power station, a chance to work on a particular interest of mine.
Progression is something that is central to my drive, and I always feel supported in that by Ainscough. I’m looking forward to several courses I have lined up, progressing to heavy cranes, and then hopefully one day my appointed person. We’ve also got a few exciting jobs coming up, including a multi-crane operation at RWE Power Station.
Away from cranes, I have a young family with lots of energy. We live in a coastal village close to the Norfolk broads, so we love walking the dog on the beach, roaming the broads. My kids also love fishing – I’m not so keen, but what’s a dad to do!
