cfc@ctf.wa.gov.au Information was sourced from Department of Education, Skills and Employment Job Outlook website. The information provided is only to be used as a guide

What would my working day look like?Some of the tasks you may complete are:

Follow directions on placing loads from Site Supervisors and Doggers Operate mobile or stationary cranes to lift, move and position machinery,

equipment and other large objects Move and place materials and equipment Operate hoists, lifts and winches with hand controls to rotate, move, raise and

lower objects Work alongside a Dogger, observing and following their directions to guide loads Check the ground the crane will be set up on to ensure it is firm, level and away

from hazards Work in an enclosed cabin Ensure loads are the correct weight for the crane being used Perform routine maintenance on the crane before and after use

I might enjoy this job if: I have good hand eye coordination I enjoy technical and engineering activities Have a good level of concentration I have a mechanical aptitude for how things work I am good at following and listening to instructions I enjoy being outdoors

Working conditions and hoursYou will mainly work outdoors on construction sites in all types of weather, except high wind and heavy rain. At times you may be working in a small enclosed cabin and will be working at height. You may operate different types of cranes depending on the licences you hold. You may also work with a small team of Riggers and Doggers both in and out of the view of them, so communication is by hand signals, whistles and two-way radios.

You will usually work full time (generally 50 hours per week) and may be expected to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends depending on the job to complete to meet deadlines.

How do I become a Crane Operator?To work as a Crane Operator in Western Australia you will need specialist training and a High Risk Work Licence for the specific class of crane you want to operate, issued by WorkSafe as well as a construction white card. To obtain a High Risk Work Licence you need to be 18 years of age. Once you have turned 18 you may like to complete a Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations through a Registered Training Provider as it cannot be completed as a traineeship in Western Australia. For information about accredited courses, assessment and certificate levels contact Worksafe Western Australia or visit their website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

Future pathways and opportunitiesYou can be employed on some of the largest construction projects in Western Australia from commercial projects in the city to working on infrastructure projects such as bridges. You may like to add to your licences so that you can operate more than one type of crane.

Crane Operators operate pilot mobile or stationary cranes to lift, move and position machinery, equipment and other large objects at locations such as construction sites, wharves and shipyards. In the construction industry, Crane Operators may control tower cranes which are erected and dismantled on site and mobile cranes, which are usually truck mounted. Crane Operators also work closely with Doggers onsite and need to be very safety aware.

Specialisations: Tower crane, self-erecting tower, non-slewing mobile, slewing, telescopic crane hoist, pile driver and elevated work platform.

Next StepsFurther information can be found at:

Jobs and Skills WA – www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au

WorkSafe – https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/what-high-risk-work-licence

Job Outlook – www.joboutlook.gov.au

Crane Operator

Career Profile:

What skills and personal qualities do I need?

Be able to listen to and perform instructions carefully and accurately

Have good concentration skills

Have good coordination skills and be able to visually judge distances

Be interested in practical work and have good manual skills

Enjoy working with machinery and an aptitude for mechanics

Have a strong awareness of safety issues particularly working at heights

Can work as part of a team

Be physically fit and enjoy working outdoors

Average Pay

$2,500 per week

depending on your qualifications, experience, work and type of crane you are operating.(Source: Job Outlook)

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