A Guide To Becoming A Crane Operator

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If you’ve ever seen crane in action and wondered how on earth the person operating it can move it with such precision and accuracy, you might be intrigued to know that becoming a crane operator is a highly rewarding career (and also pretty cool).

Working on these impressive pieces of kit is an interesting and challenging role.

Here at Cadman Cranes, we’re dedicated to ensuring that all our employees, from crane operators through to our office admin team, enjoy a profession which provides progression in all aspects of their career.

As the MD of Cadman Cranes, I’m passionate about working with the best in our industry. So, what does it take to become a crane operator? Here I’ll give you the low down of everything you need to know.

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Crane Operator?

Entering the crane operating profession involves a blend of licensing, training, and on-the-job experience. It can seem a bit confusing at first, so let’s break it down.

To legally drive a mobile crane, you’ll need a minimum of an HGV Class 2 (Cat C) license. This ensures you can handle the vehicle safely on public roads and can drive vehicles including rigid trucks and bin lorries. However when it comes to operating the crane for lifting activities, you need more specialised training.

The most recognised qualification is the Construction Plant Competency Scheme (CPCS) run by NOCN. This involves a theory and practical test, as well as familiarisation with the specific machine you’ll be operating. Successfully completing this two-week course, which costs around £3000, earns you a red Trained Operator card.

In terms of further certification, in two years, you’ll need to complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in the relevant category to upgrade to a blue ‘Competent Operator’ card, which must be refreshed every five years.

At Cadman Cranes, we understand the importance of thorough training and often hire individuals without prior crane qualifications, putting them through the necessary training at our own cost. This approach helps us cultivate a dedicated workforce that truly understands our company ethos. Plus, it gives people who are new to the sector the opportunity to propel their career forward straight off the bat.

The Crane Operator Career Path

Crane operators enjoy many career opportunities and the career path offers many opportunities for development. At Cadman Cranes, we take it one step further by ensuring a clear pathway of progression for those who want it.

Once an individual has become a certified and fully qualified crane operator at Cadman Cranes, they almost immediately have the opportunity to embark on slinger / signaller training – a critical role within lifting operations which you can read more about here.

As they gain experience, our operators can train on larger and more complex equipment, which comes with increased pay bands and with sufficient industry experience. With the right character and desire, operators can advance to Crane Supervisor roles.

Beyond hands-on operation, experienced operators can transition to the technical team in the Cadman Cranes office as Appointed Persons.

The Ideal Crane Operator

Operating a crane isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about the person behind the controls.

Some of the top characteristics which make our crane operators so successful include having the confidence to handle heavy machinery, coupled with a positive attitude towards work challenges. After all, our cranes are very powerful and you have to be able to keep a cool head when operating them.

Our team always works hard to find a solution and we work closely with clients to deliver even in the most complex of scenarios. As a result, being a good communicator and team player is also pretty important – it’s a vital skill to have when coordinating cranes and team members, as well as to ensure the safety on site at all times.

Being technically knowledgeable is a must, plus it’s also handy to have a passion for the machinery. Our big yellow cranes are complex and require care and attention (not to mention the fact that they are very expensive), so the job also comes with significant responsibility.

Encouraging New Talent in the Sector

There is no denying that there is an age profile issue within the industry. As a business, we have tried to improve this over the years, but the average age of operators is higher than it needs to be. As with many industries, we do need to encourage more young people to join. But how can we do this?

We may be biased here at Cadman Cranes, but we believe that cranes are incredibly cool. Operating one is far more exciting than driving a regular lorry from A-B!

For young people, it should be an appealing career choice that offers excellent pay and career advancement without requiring formal education. Imagine completing four weeks of training and quickly earning £30-£40k a year— Can’t argue with that.

As an industry we need to get the message out that a career in lifting offers more than meets the eye. (Plus, did I mention that cranes are cool?)

Lifting The Bar Higher For Our People And The Planet

At Cadman Cranes, we’re not just focused on operational excellence—we’re committed to being a force for good and encouraging others within the sector to reach new heights.

We are incredibly proud to be the first crane company in the UK to switch our entire fleet to 100% HVO fuel. This sustainable fuel allows us to save up to an amazing 90% of our CO2 emissions, earning us the Anglian Water Supplier Awards 2024 for our sustainability drive.

In addition to our fuel switch, we installed solar panels on our headquarters in November 2023. We’re fast approaching a full year of data, showcasing the energy we’ve been able to contribute back to the grid. Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and we’re keen to encourage others in the industry to follow suit.

We’re not only committed to the planet but also to our people. Cadman Cranes is a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring that our team is well-supported. We believe that taking care of our employees is just as important as taking care of our equipment and the environment.

At Cadman Cranes, we’re dedicated to training the next generation of crane operators and leading the industry in sustainable practices. If you’re passionate about machinery, have a positive attitude, and want to be part of a forward-thinking company, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about our training programs and career opportunities, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can build a sustainable and exciting future in the crane industry.