Crane operation offers stability, opportunity, and growth without taking on debt or spending long years in school.
Crane operators are highly skilled professionals who wield heavy machinery with skill. Crane operators play an invaluable role in shaping our landscapes and skylines; to be successful at their job, they must pay attention to every minor detail while adhering to safety standards with their onsite teams.
High School Diploma or GED
At minimum, a high school diploma or GED is necessary to enter a career as a crane operator. Newcomers to this field often start as general construction labourers but quickly move towards crane work as soon as they can, often as riggers or signalers supporting operators on the ground. Such roles provide great entry-level opportunities that provide invaluable experience on site.
Some vocational schools provide crane operator training programmes to give you the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. These programmes typically combine classroom instruction and hands-on practice with an experienced crane operator as you learn their ropes. The length of these programmes typically ranges from several weeks to several months.
Once your training is complete, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) will administer both written and practical exams to test you against safe crane operating practices. You may also need to undergo medical tests or fulfil other requirements that ensure you can fulfil this role safely.
Successful crane operators possess the ability to listen to and follow directions from supervisors while staying aware of changing conditions on the job site. Additionally, they must feel at home operating large machinery while being able to tolerate noise, fumes, dust, and other potential hazards associated with working environments. Finally, physical fitness should also be an issue since crane operators may need to lift heavy objects for extended periods while standing still; therefore, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing will help.
Crane operators must also possess the language skills needed for engineering, math, and physics; additionally, they may need to prepare reports documenting the results of their work, so having basic computer knowledge will come in handy.
Crane operators may need to travel between projects, which can be an arduous task in times of bad weather or other obstacles. Furthermore, they must communicate effectively with employees on site as well as have an understanding of safety protocols.
Trade School Training
Crane operators typically begin in entry-level roles before progressing towards more experienced roles over time, gradually building on their skills and experience. Although higher education isn’t mandatory, having earned your high school diploma and participating in training programmes at trade schools that specialise in crane operation may prove beneficial.
These programmes may last from several weeks to several months and cover topics such as safety regulations, inspecting equipment, and operating various types of cranes. Furthermore, the programmes prepare students to sit written and practical exams administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
If you are seeking to become a crane operator, there are numerous paths available. The key is finding a programme that meets NCCCO certification standards while offering hands-on training. Ideal programmes will offer approximately 50% classroom learning and 50% hands-on practice.
Book learning and apprenticeships can provide essential preparation for this career, but nothing beats working on real construction sites to learn how to operate heavy equipment. That is why selecting an appropriate trade school with hands-on programmes that enable real-world applications will allow you to develop the necessary skills.
Crane operators require strong physical health and strength in order to perform their daily duties successfully, including extended sitting, standing, climbing, and exposure to harsh outdoor environmental conditions year-round. As such, it is crucial that they possess sufficient fitness levels in order to withstand the demands of this occupation as well as meet tight deadlines on hectic project sites with hectic work environments.
Licencing
As the construction industry increases its demand for heavy equipment, so too does its demand for crane operators. Cranes play an essential role on construction sites by helping to construct skyscrapers, stadiums, and ports, but in order to operate this costly piece of machinery safely, it requires skilled professional operators, also known as crane operators.
Are you seeking a high-paid career as a crane operator? Before diving in, it’s essential that you research the qualifications and training requirements.
Before beginning, it’s necessary to pass both written and practical examinations for your desired type of crane, administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Candidate handbooks and exam information can be found here.
Physical and health requirements also need to be fulfilled for this role, including sufficient strength, endurance, and coordination to safely meet operational demands; normal depth perception and field of vision; no history of seizures or loss of control; and compliance with NCCCO’s substance abuse policy and code of ethics. You will also need the ability to focus under stress on chaotic, noisy work sites.
Once you have successfully passed both written and practical exams, you can find employment with either a crane rental or leasing company or as an independent crane operator. Networking with other professionals within your field of expertise may lead to temporary assignments or permanent positions becoming available.
An apprenticeship programme may also be worthwhile as it provides hands-on experience in your new field and teaches the ropes. Apprenticeships provide invaluable hands-on learning opportunities as you build skills and confidence, as well as working alongside an expert while earning money. This option offers a gradual transition into your desired profession while being more cost-effective than full vocational school degree programmes.
Experience
Those who enjoy working with machines and are detail-oriented could consider becoming crane operators as a career. Although the role can be rewarding and fulfilling, it also demands many different skills. You are likely to spend most of your workday alone inside the noisy cab of a crane; your work environment may be loud and chaotic at times! Furthermore, all safety measures must be observed and you should communicate well with other members of your onsite team.
High school programmes may offer apprenticeship opportunities and specific training courses offered at community colleges or trade schools may provide classroom instruction that prepares you to start a career as a crane operator. But the real key to being successful in this career is on-the-job training, so finding a tower crane operator willing to mentor and train you can speed up your certification journey significantly.
After you complete your specialised training and gain on-the-job experience, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators requires written and practical exams to become certified as an operator. Each exam is designed specifically for one type of crane with specific requirements; for instance, a swing cab crane must only be operated by someone who has passed its practical test.
Becoming a crane operator can be an exhilarating and rewarding career choice, particularly if you possess strong work ethics and are committed to getting the proper training and qualifications. After experiencing turbulent 2020, this may provide the ideal chance for change, so put forth effort and dedication into realising your dream of becoming a crane operator and enjoy! Good luck!