Career Advice for a Crane Operator

Crane operators work with lifting equipment to move loads from one position to another. They can work on mobile or static cranes to lift, move, and position materials on mining or building sites. Crane operators can also unload or load goods onto large goods vehicles.

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How to Become a Crane Operator

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Crane Operator

Should you wish to work as a Crane Operator you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Crane Operator

  • Some GCSEs
  • Lifting Technician Apprenticeship
  • Certificate in Plant Operations

Key Responsibilities for a Crane Operator

  • Attending meetings to determine daily tasks
  • Operating mobile and stationary cranes and other lifting equipment
  • Inspecting the crane each day to ensure safety
  • Performing routine maintenance
  • Driving the crane to each work position
  • Maintaining the hoist mechanism
  • Cleaning and oiling the crane
  • Using levers and pedal controls in a safe manner
  • Updating team leaders on any issues
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

What to expect as a Crane Operator

Crane operators work with various lifting equipment to move loads to multiple positions on building sites, mining operations, or warehouses. You will use crane controls to precisely lift and lower crane loads in a safe manner. To succeed in this role, you will need to work in various conditions and have excellent communication skills.

Recommended Crane Operator Jobs

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How to get Crane Operator Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Crane Operator job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Crane Operator application. If you have not held a Crane Operator position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Crane Operator role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Crane Operator CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Crane Operator application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Crane Operator in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Crane Operator 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Crane Operator and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Crane Operator experience.

How to get Crane Operator Experience

What does it take to be a Crane Operator? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Crane Operator jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Crane Operator through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Crane Operator Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Crane Operator part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Crane Operator or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Crane Operator freelance work

If you have impressive Crane Operator qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.