Guide
What's a crane operator and how do I be one?
The UK construction sector is a thriving industry, estimated to be worth more than £64.7 billion to the economy annually. Crane operators are vital to the industry because they have the skills employers need to perform heavy lifting on worksites. But what is a crane operator? And how do you become one?
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 19 July 2019 | 0 min read
This article is part of the Auto Trader Plant Getting Into Construction Series.
What Is A Crane Operator?
A crane operator is somebody who operates machines that lift and move materials from one part of a construction site to another. For instance, a crane operator might be tasked with unloading bulky goods from the back of a truck or lifting building materials from the ground to the top of a building under construction.
The role of a crane operator can be broken down into the following broad categories:
The role of a crane operator can be broken down into the following broad categories:
Manual control of a crane
The cockpit of a crane is full of knobs and dials. Crane operators have specialist skills to interpret and use all of the controls in a controlled and purposeful manner. Over time, operators develop intuition, which tells them precisely how to move objects from one location to another.
Maintenance and repair
Some firms require that crane operators perform minor maintenance and repair work on their equipment.
Record keeping
It’s often the job of crane operators to record where they move goods and materials for audit purposes and for keeping track of where stuff is on the construction site.
Flexible working
Companies call on crane operators to ensure that construction projects hit specific deadlines. Because of this, managers may ask operators to work overtime, especially when deadlines are approaching and work needs to be completed.
How Do You Become A Crane Operator?
The good news is that you don’t need any formal qualifications to become a crane operator - many firms will be willing to employ you on the strength of your experience and performance at interview alone.
However, some companies may insist that you have four GCSEs, including mathematics and English, or their Welsh and Scottish equivalents. As always, having some experience as a crane operator will help your case. If you can show that you have operated heavy machinery or equipment in the past - and done so safely - in any capacity, then you can put yourself ahead of other candidates who may also want the role. Construction companies advertise crane operator jobs on popular work portals, including Reed and Indeed. However, you may also have success in approaching firms directly with your CV. To start, you may not get paid a vast amount. However, once you complete on-the-job training, you will earn between £17,000 and £20,000 per year. People with substantial experience as crane operators can make more than £35,000, especially with a proven track record.
However, some companies may insist that you have four GCSEs, including mathematics and English, or their Welsh and Scottish equivalents. As always, having some experience as a crane operator will help your case. If you can show that you have operated heavy machinery or equipment in the past - and done so safely - in any capacity, then you can put yourself ahead of other candidates who may also want the role. Construction companies advertise crane operator jobs on popular work portals, including Reed and Indeed. However, you may also have success in approaching firms directly with your CV. To start, you may not get paid a vast amount. However, once you complete on-the-job training, you will earn between £17,000 and £20,000 per year. People with substantial experience as crane operators can make more than £35,000, especially with a proven track record.
Conclusion
Becoming a crane operative is an excellent career with anyone who feels that they lack formal qualifications. You can get work as a crane operator without having to complete any extensive qualifications or get into the industry through an apprenticeship scheme.