Take These 4 Steps to Become a Crane Operator

Blog, Crane Operator

Have you ever considered becoming a crane operator and working on both small and large worksites? Have you looked into what it takes to become a crane operator? Do you know which steps to take to get trained and certified? What about how to find a job? If not, take these four steps to become a crane operator.

What Does a Crane Operator Do?

A certified crane operator maneuvers and drives a crane around a construction site. They transport large materials for both manufacturing and construction. They are commonly seen at build sites for buildings, bridges, and roads, but they are also used for other projects, such as transportation centers, manufacturing plants, and even on docks. There are various conditions under which a crane operator could work, but they definitely work in a challenging environment and need to be fully present while conducting the work. The key skills needed are physical strength, flexibility, and manual dexterity.

1. Register and Complete Your Crane Operator Training

Crane operation might seem like a job you can learn on the go, but it requires classroom and on-the-job training. Most training programs require a high school degree or equivalent. Then you can enroll in a heavy equipment training course, community college, or trade school. Most courses cover a variety of topics, including safety, maintenance, and how the machine is used on a site. Once training is completed, candidates then take the certification test before being able to seek employment.

2. Find and Complete an Apprenticeship

There are some “training” programs that come in the shape of apprenticeships. These give both classroom training and on-the-job paid exposure. Some training courses, such as West Coast Training’s NCCCO Crane Operator and Rigger course, also offer classroom and on-the-job training, both with certified instructors.

3. Study for and Obtain Your Crane Operator Certification

Federal laws mandate that operators of cranes must be certified. This means going through training courses and passing the appropriate written and practical exams put out by organizations such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

4. Seek Employment

Getting certified can make finding a job much easier for those who opt to work in this field. There are numerous jobs available in the warehousing, manufacturing, and construction industries. Due to the increasing population around the world, there will be a greater need for construction equipment operators the world over.

If working as a crane operator (or other form of heavy equipment operation) sounds like the job for you, look into the courses offered at West Coast Training. Whether you’re interested in operating a crane, an excavator, or other heavy equipment, we will have a training program that suits you. Contact us today.