Meet Luke Powell, one of our Crane Engineers here at JK Lifting. With experience that spans some of Australia’s largest mining operations as well as the offshore industry, Luke brings a wealth of mechanical expertise to every project.
Originally from Hebburn, Luke completed his apprenticeship as a time-served mechanical fitter before gaining an HNC in Engineering. Looking to broaden his experience, he made the move to Australia in 2018, where he spent five years working across a range of demanding engineering environments.
Luke began his time overseas at Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, carrying out maintenance work on Australian Navy vessels before moving into Western Australia’s mining sector. Working across gold, lithium and iron ore mines gave him hands-on experience maintaining critical equipment in some of the country’s toughest operating conditions.
Returning to the North East in 2023, Luke continued building his career as a marine fitter at A&P before joining the flying squad at Alatas UK as an offshore crane mechanic. The role saw him travelling to vessels across the world, carrying out crane maintenance, repairs and inspections in challenging offshore environments.
Luke joined JK Lifting in December 2025 as a Crane Engineer, where he specialises in crane maintenance, repairs and LOLER inspections. His broad industry experience means he’s well equipped to respond quickly to complex breakdowns and keep customers’ equipment operating safely and efficiently.
One project that stands out for Luke involved carrying out an emergency repair to a pedestal crane onboard a vessel. A burst hydraulic line on the crane boom required replacement pipework and hydraulic fittings before the system could be pressure and function tested. It was a challenging job that demanded quick thinking and technical expertise to get the crane safely back into service.
For Luke, one of the best parts of working at JK Lifting is the variety. Every day presents a different challenge, whether it’s inspecting lifting equipment, carrying out planned maintenance or responding to urgent breakdowns for customers across a range of industries.
Having worked in mining, marine and offshore environments throughout his career, Luke enjoys being part of an industry where no two projects are the same. It’s a role that combines technical expertise with problem-solving, while helping customers keep their lifting operations safe, compliant and running efficiently. At JK Lifting, he’s found a team that shares those high standards and is committed to delivering the right solution every time.
