Crane Operator

Crane operators mainly work in construction and engineering, lifting and moving heavy loads, such as building materials, tools and equipment.

Based inside the crane cab, operators take instructions from ground assistants via hand signals or radio communication, operating levers and controls to accurately position the crane hook, grab arm or hoist. They must follow strict safety procedures, considering stability limits, safe working loads, weather conditions and surrounding obstacles.

Crane operators may work different types of cranes, including mobile or static cranes, tower and overhead cranes and lorry loaders. Operators can also work in the media and music industries.

Crane operators usually work Monday to Friday, with more jobs, overtime and weekend opportunities during spring and summer months. Short-term contracts and part-time opportunities are available. Although operators work inside the crane cab, they are exposed to varied weather conditions and temperatures. The work can be strenuous and involves working at heights.

Salaries may range from around £19,500 to £50,000 a year.

Crane operators should have:

• good practical and driving skills
• a responsible work attitude towards safety
• high levels of alertness and concentration
• excellent judgement, co-ordination and spatial awareness
• steady hands and a head for heights
• a knowledge of vehicle mechanics.

There are around 10,000 crane operators working nationwide for crane hire companies, building, civil engineering and demolition firms, manufacturing plants, docks and harbours, local authorities and energy utility companies.

No specific academic qualifications are required, although GCSEs (A*-E) in English, maths and technology, or the Diploma in construction and the built environment may be useful. Most operators begin their career through the ConstructionSkills Plant Apprenticeship: crane operation, which requires a pre-entry test.

Apprentice crane operators spend 12 weeks studying on block release during their two-year programme. The remainder is spent on site with employers, gaining practical work experience. Apprentices work towards the NVQ Level 2 in plant operations (construction).

All construction crane operators must register for a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) blue card. This forms part of the Apprenticeship framework. Operators who transport cranes between sites need a large goods vehicle (LGV) category C licence.

Learning the techniques to operate one particular type of crane may eventually lead to specialist roles in sectors such as the oil industry or marine engineering. Experienced crane operators may become construction or engineering site supervisors or managers.

Further details