Crane Driver

Job Description:

Crane drivers operate lifting machinery at construction sites, quarries, mining sites, ports and warehouses.

Job Category:

Metals & Mining

See Metals & Mining jobs

What you will do:

As a crane operator, you’ll:

set up cranes and carry out safety checks
load and unload lorries
shift loads around the site
monitor sensors that measure wind speed, crane stability and load weights
carry out minor repairs to machinery
report problems to the crane supervisor
keep in close contact with workers on the ground to operate safely

Skills:

You’ll need:

the ability to operate and control equipment
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of public safety and security
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

concentration skills
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College
You could do a college qualification like a Certificate in Construction Plant Operations (a Level 2 in the UK)

This would teach you how to operate different types of construction plant machinery. You could then apply to construction companies for a trainee position.

Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship.

Work
You could start as a construction site labourer. Once you’ve got experience of using heavy plant machinery like excavators, you could do training on the job to move into crane operation.

Direct Application
You could apply directly and learn on the job under the supervision of an experienced crane driver.

Registration
In the UK, you may need a plant card to operate some machinery.

Career tips
You may find it useful if you’ve got experience in construction, mechanical engineering or plant operations.

Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll need to:

have a category C1 or C LGV licence if driving mobile cranes on public roads

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be at height and noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience and further training you could:

become a crane supervisor, signaller or slinger
specialise in operating heavy cranes
work on construction projects all over the world
get a manager job with responsibility for the day-to-day running of a site