How Do I Become a Tower Crane Operator?

Becoming a tower crane operator requires a lot of effort, endless patience, hard work and knowledge, but once you become, it will certainly pay off.

However, a tower crane is a large lifting devices that is widely used in the construction industry for lifting and moving large loads. It has its base fixed in the ground, which provides incredible stability and efficiency on construction sites. Also, it has a tall mast section fixed to a stable structure and at its top, the mast section has a horizontal jib. But to operate tower cranes in Australia, you must complete a high school education (at least) and have basic mathematical skills. Continue reading and find out what else you need to have and do to become a tower crane operator.

First and the most important, you need to find the governing body that manages such trainings in your country, because the regulating body usually varies. In Sydney, Australia, there is a regulating body called Construction Skills Training Centre which grants licenses for tower crane operators. There are many training programs that take usually a month, in which you can learn pre-operation checks, how to start up and shut down the crane, how to operate with tower crane and many other things. Once you complete a training program for operating a tower crane, you will be granted a license that will confirm that you are able to operate a tower crane.

The license for operating tower crane in Australia is consisted of a practical exam, but some also involve a written exam. The practical exam requires of you to demonstrate the skills you have gain from the training program. This might be the most difficult phase of getting the license and requires a lot of practice. Once you get the license, you will be able to operate tower cranes in Australia for five years. The period varies in the countries, but once it expires, you will need to re-certified it if you want to remain a tower crane operator.

Training programs indeed prepare you for operating a tower crane, but you should not starting working by yourself without supervision. As a beginner, you should start working with a tower crane operator with many years of experience as an apprentice for about two-four weeks, in order to gain a little more experience before you become a full-time operator of tower cranes in Australia.