Ready For A Career?
Thinking of becoming a crane operator? This guide will walk you through the journey from high school to landing your first job in the field.
We won’t keep you guessing by burying the important information at the bottom of this blog. Here is a breakdown of transitioning from being a high school student to becoming a fully qualified crane operator.
Step 1: Preparing for High School
The first step to becoming a crane operator is to prepare yourself through courses that will improve your abilities.
Relevant Courses
• Math and Sciences: These subjects are essential for understanding the forces, angles, and weights you’ll be working with. Geometry and trigonometry are particularly useful for crane operators who need to calculate lift angles and distances.
• Mechanical and Technical Classes: If your school offers technical classes, take advantage of any courses related to machinery, mechanics, or engineering.
Clubs and Activities
• Robotics or Engineering Clubs: Working on projects that involve lifting or moving with machines can give you a basic understanding of the mechanics behind crane operation.
• Vocational Training or Dual Enrollment Programs: Some high schools partner with vocational schools where students can begin learning basic construction or heavy machinery skills.
Step 2: Gaining Early Experience
Summer Jobs or Part-Time Work
The type of work you are allowed to do will come to do various things. INcluding your state’s laws around the age of working, you may have to be 18 to work these positions.
• Construction Laborer: If you are 18, consider taking a summer job or part-time position as a laborer on a construction site. This hands-on experience will give you exposure to how construction sites operate and familiarize you with crane operations.
• Shadowing a Crane Operator: While it may be a long shot, if possible, shadow a licensed crane operator to see what the job entails, from the crane setup to managing loads safely.
Learning About Industry Standards
Even if you cannot get on a jobsite, there are things online you can do to show future employers you take safety and the job seriously.
• Safety First: Safety is the number one priority on any construction site, especially for crane operators. Learn about OSHA safety standards, crane operation safety, and best practices for lifting heavy objects.
Step 3: Finding the Right Employer and Entry-Level Position
One of the most important steps in this journey is setting yourself up with the right company from the start.
Identifying Potential Employers
Research local construction companies in your area specializing in crane operations. Many companies offer entry-level positions and on-the-job training for aspiring crane operators.
This could be a laborer position, which is a great place to start and learn the ropes.
Look into union apprenticeship programs, often providing a structured path into crane operation. These programs offer paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Most crane operators start careers in entry-level roles, such as riggers or general laborers. As a rigger, you’ll assist in attaching loads to cranes and ensuring the load is balanced. This experience is invaluable for learning how cranes operate and how to secure loads properly.
Step 4: Getting Trained and Certified
Once you have spent some time on a crew learning the ropes, you can start looking into how to really prepare yourself for your career in cranes.
Formal Crane Operator Training
• Enroll in a Training Program: Many vocational schools and trade organizations offer crane operator training programs. These programs cover the basics of crane operation, including safety, maintenance, and hands-on practice.
• Types of Cranes: You’ll need to learn how to operate different types of cranes, such as tower cranes, mobile cranes, and overhead cranes. Each type requires specific training and skill sets.
Obtaining Certifications
• NCCCO Certification: To work as a crane operator, you’ll need to pass certification exams from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). This certification is required in most states and covers both written and practical exams.
• CDL License: If you plan to operate mobile cranes, you’ll likely need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to legally transport the crane to and from job sites.
Practical Experience
• On-the-Job Training: Many crane operators learn the bulk of their skills through on-the-job training. Working under the supervision of an experienced operator, you’ll gain hands-on experience moving different types of loads and operating the crane under various conditions.
Step 5: Entering the Workforce
Once you’re certified and have gained some hands-on experience, you can start applying for full-time crane operator positions with construction companies, crane rental services, and contractors. These employers are always in need of skilled operators. Additionally, being part of a union can be beneficial as they can assist in placing you in job openings and offer extra support and training to help you progress in your career.
Starting small is common when beginning a career in crane operation. Initially, you may operate smaller or mobile cranes on less complex projects. This is a valuable opportunity to refine your skills before advancing to larger and more intricate crane operations, such as working with tower cranes in skyscraper construction.
Step 6: Advancing Your Career
Specializing in a Type of Crane
• Mastering Specific Equipment: Over time, many crane operators choose to specialize in operating certain types of cranes, such as tower cranes for high-rise construction or mobile cranes for highway and infrastructure projects. Specializing can lead to higher-paying positions.
Continuous Education and Safety Training
Staying Updated on Safety Standards: Crane operators must stay informed about the latest safety regulations and best practices. Many employers offer ongoing training, and union members often have access to workshops and seminars to keep their skills sharp.
Advanced Certifications: Consider pursuing additional certifications to expand your skill set and qualify for more specialized crane operating jobs, such as lifting in hazardous environments or operating cranes with complex computerized systems.
With enough experience, crane operators can move into supervisory roles, overseeing the operation of multiple cranes or managing teams of laborers and riggers. This role often comes with increased responsibility and pay.
What’s Next?
Becoming a crane operator can be a tough but fulfilling career choice with lots of opportunities for growth. If you’re interested, you can start by taking relevant courses in high school and getting hands-on experience. This will help you get ready for the technical training and certifications you’ll need. By staying safe, always learning, and getting lots of hands-on experience, you can really take your career to the next level in the construction industry.