What is the work like?
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 an assistant on the
ground, called a slinger or signaller. Directed via radio communications or by
visually observing their hand signals, the crane operator will operate levers
and controls, accurately positioning the hook, grab arm or hoist to load/unload
items.
Precision is essential. Crane operators must follow strict safety procedures,
protecting people working around them. They must be aware of and consider:
•The cranes’ stability limits and safe working loads (SWLs), making sure they
are never exceeded
•Weather conditions and the cranes’ wind resistance
•Rotential dangers of surrounding obstacles, such as power lines, trees and buildings.
Operators may work different types of cranes, including:
•Mobile cranes which are transported to sites, often along public roads. Crawler
cranes can move around construction sites, sometimes over rough terrain.
•Overhead cranes on rails which are often found in factories, metal foundries
and works, power stations, ship building yards, passenger ports and commercial
docks and workshops.
•Tower cranes (up to heights of 750 metres or more) and small fixed cranes which
are used for special projects and are usually found on large construction developments.
•Lorry loaders which are employed to load and unload lorries.
They may also be involved in the erection and dismantling of modular and portable
buildings.
Mobile crane operators are usually responsible for:
•Transporting cranes to the site and setting them up
•Checking all the equipment is working safely and effectively before each use
•Conducting routine maintenance and mechanical inspections
•Making the crane safe at the end of each day
•De-rigging or removing the crane if no longer required.
Tower and overhead crane operators do not have the responsibility for erecting
and dismantling their cranes. This is carried out by a specialist group of crane
installers.
Crane operators can also work in the media and music industries, controlling cranes
carrying heavy camera equipment and camera operators around film and stage sets.
This can include steering remote heads above locations on a high-tech Strada crane,
capturing a bird’s-eye view of the action.
Hours and environment
Crane operators usually work Monday to Friday. The work can be changeable, with
more jobs, overtime and weekend opportunities available during spring and summer
months. It can involve early mornings and late finishes.
Mobile crane operators often have to travel to different sites, sometimes locally,
but potentially throughout the UK. Some crane operators are self-employed. 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. Operators generally work alone in the cab, but are
in regular contact with construction groundworkers and site supervisors.
Crane operators need to be physically fit to climb up to cabs. In some cases this
might be several hundred feet. It can be noisy, dusty, dirty and muddy. Good eyesight
and hearing are essential. Operators wear personal protective equipment, including
safety helmets, footwear and ear protectors.
Crane operators in the media sector are usually freelance, often working with
camera equipment facility houses. Work on commercials, feature films and television
programmes may involve travel abroad.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on
the employer and where people live.
•Crane operators may start on around £375 a week, equivalent to £19,500 a year.
•With experience, salaries average around £30,000, rising to around £39,500 a
year for a tower crane operator.
•Operators of special types of crane and equipment may earn up to £50,000 annually.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) establishes minimum
wage rates annually. Overtime payments are common and lodging allowances are provided
if working away from home.
Interests
It is important for crane operators to enjoy:
• Hands-on work
• Working in busy construction or engineering environments.
Getting in
There are around 10,000 crane operators in UK employment. Cranes are used in many
UK industries, and jobs exist with:
• Crane hire companies
• Large building construction or civil engineering companies
• Demolition firms
• Manufacturing plants
• Docks and harbours
• Local authorities
• Energy utility companies, including gas, electricity or water.
Some large contractors sub-contract work to smaller firms. There are jobs throughout
the UK for construction crane operators, particularly in urban development areas.
Employment opportunities fluctuate with the economy. Industrial areas, ports and
docks in the Midlands, North East and North West tend to provide more employment
for operators engaged in engineering work.
Entry routes
No specific academic qualifications are required, although GCSEs (A*-E) in English,
maths and technology may be helpful. The Diploma in construction and the built
environment can provide a relevant introduction to the sector.
Most entrants begin their career through the ConstructionSkills crane operative
Apprenticeship, which requires a pre-entry test. Training can start aged 16, but
to drive and operate a mobile crane, a full driving licence is required and operators
need to be at least 18 years old.
Apprenticeships provide structured training with an employer and, from August
2009, pay at least £95 per week. A recent survey found that the average wage for
apprentices was £170 a week.
Training
Apprentice crane operators spend 12 weeks on block release at the National Construction
College (NCC) East during the first year of their two-year Plant Apprenticeship:
crane operation training programme. The remainder of time is spent on site, gaining
practical work experience.
During training, apprentices learn how to operate a variety of cranes safely and
efficiently and basic maintenance and risk assessment checks. They also work towards
recognised certification/qualifications, including:
• NVQ Level 2 in plant operations (construction)
• functional Skills Level 1 (application of numbers and communication)
• Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Technical Test, a practical test
of ability and a theory test
• ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test.
All crane operators must have a CPCS card, proving they are competent to work
on site. During their Apprenticeship, they qualify for the CPCS Blue ’Competent
Operator’ card. Applicants must pass the CPCS Technical Test and Health and Safety
Test and have the relevant NVQ Level 2. Blue cards are renewed every five years.
Legally, employers in every industry sector need to ensure crane operators have
job-specific health and safety training. Those who transport cranes between sites
need a large goods vehicle (LGV) category C licence.
To aid progression, it is possible to take an NVQ Level 3 in construction plant
and equipment supervision.
Getting on
There are many different types of cranes used for many different tasks. 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.
With further training and qualifications, experienced crane operators may progress
to become construction or engineering site supervisors or managers
ly 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 an assistant on the
ground, called a slinger or signaller. Directed via radio communications or by
visually observing their hand signals, the crane operator will operate levers
and controls, accurately positioning the hook, grab arm or hoist to load/unload
items.
Precision is essential. Crane operators must follow strict safety procedures,
protecting people working around them. They must be aware of and consider:
• The cranes’ stability limits and safe working loads (SWLs), making sure they
are never exceeded
• Weather conditions and the cranes’ wind resistance
• Potential dangers of surrounding obstacles, such as power lines, trees and buildings.
Operators may work different types of cranes, including:
• Mobile cranes which are transported to sites, often along public roads. Crawler
cranes can move around construction sites, sometimes over rough terrain.
• Overhead cranes on rails which are often found in factories, metal foundries
and works, power stations, ship building yards, passenger ports and commercial
docks and workshops.
• Tower cranes (up to heights of 750 metres or more) and small fixed cranes which
are used for special projects and are usually found on large construction developments.
• Lorry loaders which are employed to load and unload lorries.
They may also be involved in the erection and dismantling of modular and portable
buildings.
Mobile crane operators are usually responsible for:
• Transporting cranes to the site and setting them up
• Checking all the equipment is working safely and effectively before each use
• Conducting routine maintenance and mechanical inspections
• Making the crane safe at the end of each day
• De-rigging or removing the crane if no longer required.
Tower and overhead crane operators do not have the responsibility for erecting
and dismantling their cranes. This is carried out by a specialist group of crane
installers.
Crane operators can also work in the media and music industries, controlling cranes
carrying heavy camera equipment and camera operators around film and stage sets.
This can include steering remote heads above locations on a high-tech Strada crane,
capturing a bird’s-eye view of the action. Visit Skillset’s website (www.skillset.org)
for details.
Skills and personal qualities
Crane operators should have:
• Good practical skills
• Aresponsible attitude, especially to health and safety
• High levels of alertness and concentration
• Excellent judgement, co-ordination and spatial awareness
• Steady hands
• Stamina and agility for climbing up to crane cabs
• Agood head for heights
• Good eyesight and hearing
• Strong teamwork skills, but equal ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills
• A basic knowledge of vehicle mechanics.
