Crane & Hoisting
Equipment Operator

Operates mobile cranes, boom trucks and tower cranes to lift, swing and place material.

Who Am I?

Are you good with your hands? Do you have strong depth perception and good communication skills? Can you work in high places? Then, Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator may be for you!

What do I do?

Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment that is used to lift, move and place machinery and other large objects at construction sites and industrial yards.

There are three types of crane and hoisting equipment: mobile cranes, boom trucks and tower cranes.

Some operators work with all three types of equipment; others specialize in operating one type. Mobile Crane Operators service and operate mobile cranes that raise, lower or move heavy materials. The crane is mounted on crawlers or a wheeled frame and has a projecting swinging arm with a hoisting apparatus. Mobile Crane Operators may drive the crane to the job site, rig the machine and set up the machine for the lift using blocking and leveling materials.

Boom Truck Hoist Operators set up units and service and operate hydraulic booms (movable arms) that are mounted on trucks. Operators learn how to lift, move and place materials or equipment and are certified according to the weight of the material they move.

Tower Crane Operators service and operate travelling, fixed or climbing-type hoisting equipment that has a vertical mast or tower and a jib (protecting arm). Tower Crane Operators are often involved in assembling cranes on-site.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

To enter the Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator apprenticeship program fulltime, you should be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing. You must also be at least 18 years of age.

Length of Program

Depending on the type of equipment, 2 or 3 levels, including in-school sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

To legally work in this trade in Manitoba, you must be an apprentice or certified journeyperson. To start, you need a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. When the application is approved, you start training under the supervision of a journeyperson.

The length of training is different for each type of operator. To be a Mobile Crane Operator you must complete three levels of on-the-job practical experience and some in-school training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1700 hours per level.) To be a Boom Truck Hoist Operator you must complete two levels of training. (Required work hours and school time totals either 800 or 1200 hours depending on the type of hoisting equipment you operate.) To be a Tower Crane Operator you must complete two levels of training. (Required work hours and school time must total at least 1500 hours per level.) If you have completed related courses of study or work experience you may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a provincial Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. If you successfully complete training for a Mobile Crane Operator your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at :http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $23.15 (Boom truck); $29.00 (Mobile crane); $33.00 (Tower crane). Base rates, effective Jan. 1, 2010, not including benefits.

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also offer other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

A 40-hour, five-day workweek is normal, but overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines.

Where do I go from here?

Crane Operators work for general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries, and for crane rental companies.

How do I Learn?

How do I advance?

With experience, you may advance to supervisory positions. You can also transfer your skills to related occupations such as Heavy Equipment Technician, Rigging Supervisor, Heavy Equipment Operator or Water Well Driller.