If you fancy a career as a crane operator, then you’re going to need training that leads to certification as a crane operator. Learning the basics from a friend or relative simply won’t cut it in the workplace anymore. Besides which, it’s now illegal for businesses to employ crane operators who are not certified. Certification is a national standard, so once certified you can work in any state without the need to be recertified.

Crane operators can only be certified by passing a nationally recognized crane operator certification assessment. This assessment concentrates on the safe operations of cranes and has been designed to help reduce the number of crane accidents that occur each year. A crane in the hands of an unqualified operator can do a significant amount of damage to people and property, often with devastating consequences.

When considering a career as a crane operator, your best path is to undertake crane operator training through a well respected training organization. ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools have been around for fifty years and have been approved to deliver crane operator training and the assessments required to achieve certification. Our certification program is conducted on behalf of the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) – a certification that is respected by employers nationwide.

ATS provides training on a range of cranes including:

• Large Telescopic Boom Cranes (swing cab/rough terrain)
• Small Telescopic Boom Cranes (fixed cab/boom truck)
• Lattice Crane (Crawler or Truck)
• Articulated (knuckleboom) Cranes

We also provide OSHA Compliant Rigging & Signal Person training for those interested in careers as riggers or signal persons. When looking at crane operator training, becoming certified is the only way to start a long and successful career, and ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools can help you achieve that goal.

Saturday’s job opportunities showed strong for operators of a wide range of heavy equipment, however, it was the number of vacancies for skilled mobile crane operators that really stood out. One employer is looking for 30 mobile crane operators, a sure sign of resurgence in construction activities. Whilst many of these positions are for skilled and experienced operators, the operators have to come from somewhere, and that provides a lot of opportunities for new mobile crane operators.

Will employers take on new mobile crane operators? Many of them will, especially if they have several mobile cranes and their work load includes entry level type work. Many employers are now willing to take on new operators, employing them as co-drivers until they find their feet within the company. It’s a great introduction to the industry as you get to work alongside an experienced and seasoned mobile crane operator – a great follow-up to a good quality crane operator training program.

Crane operators of all types now need to be certified before they can operate a crane. Our training program exceeds the minimum requirements to become a crane operator, and all graduates are offered the opportunity to have their skills and knowledge assessed for certification at our training school. Having a one-stop-shop for both training and certification assessment makes the process much easier for students and allows for a faster and smoother transition to the workplace.

Graduates of ATS Heavy Equipment Training School’s crane operator training programs are also given assistance to find their first job. Our Career Services personnel will work with students throughout their training program to help them identify and apply for job vacancies. Graduates can also access our jobs website where job vacancies are frequently posted. The demand is there for skilled mobile crane operators. We can deliver the training to build the skills required; you just need to decide when you can start that training.

There’s more to becoming a mobile crane operator than just learning to pull levers. Mobile cranes, whilst not overly complex, do rely on a crane operator’s ability to assess the job before starting. That assessment includes the terrain, the load, and the environment. The latter is particularly important as it includes factors such as wind direction and strength, and any obstacles such as overhead utility lines.

When it comes to the load, size really does matter. Mobile cranes range in size from baby 5 ton vehicles up to quite large 120+ ton vehicles. The size represents the maximum weight a crane can handle, however, this is one of the areas where a crane operator’s skill and knowledge is important. A 60-ton crane, for example, can lift up to 60 tons – under perfect conditions. Add wind, particularly gusting wind, and/or an uneven terrain, and that vehicle’s safe maximum lifting capacity could be reduced by 50% or more.

This is why new crane operators require good quality training, and why all crane operators must be certified before being permitted to operate a crane. Crane operator training will provide the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely as a crane operator. Certification tests an operator’s skill and knowledge only allowing competent operators through to the workplace.

ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools deliver high quality training to students looking for a career as a crane operator. Training is provided by NCCER qualified trainers and includes training for fixed cab and swing cab mobile hydraulic cranes, lattice boom cranes, and articulated boom (knuckleboom) cranes. On completion of a students training, we are accredited by NCCCO as a test site for both the NCCCO written and NCCCO practical exams. This means you can receive your training and your certification through the one training organization.

One of the more dangerous pieces of equipment on a construction site is a crane. Not only is it a true monstrosity of a machine, but it is also usually carrying a large amount of weight in its basket that can also be hazard to workers. Because of these dangers, crane safety must be a constant, almost second nature, mentality on all work sites. When dealing with a crane and its load accidents can do more than harm workers; they can be deadly.

The first step to proper crane safety is an inspection of the machine prior to starting it. After the inspection, it is essential that the crane is on a level and solid surface prior to use. The crane operator must also ensure that the crane is not near power lines and that the load will not be moved over workers. The load chart must also be followed at all times to ensure crane safety. Lastly, before actually moving the load, the crane operator should lift it a few inches to ensure the crane is balanced. The load can then be lifted and moved to its final destination.

When using a mammoth piece of heavy equipment like a crane, safety must be job one for the operator. Crane safety must be all workers on the site’s first priority, and all workers must be aware of where the crane is at all times. By maintaining crane safety at all times, the work site can work efficiently and accident free.

There are many different duties being performed on a job site on any given day. There are bulldozers moving dirt and rocks. There are excavators and dump trucks removing debris from an area that needs clearing. But, the piece of heavy equipment that most laymen notice is the crane. After all, it reaches up toward the sky, so it is seen from the furthest distance. Most people have seen the standard cranes on a construction site such as the lattice boom crane or the swing cab hydraulic crane. But, more frequently now, there is a different crane being seen more often than not called the articulating crane or knuckle boom crane.

This highly maneuverable articulating crane has been used for quite a while in Europe, but it is just recently being seen a lot more in the US. The reason for its increased popularity is because of its versatility on a job site, and its ability to move a load around like no other crane. With some additional crane training , a heavy equipment operator can quickly be operating one of these cranes. The articulating crane looks very similar to a human arm in that it has bendable “joints” or “knuckles” that can be manipulated in any direction. This flexibility allows the crane to go into places that a normal crane cannot such as place a load in a window or a door. The articulating crane is also controlled by a computer that is constantly monitoring the crane’s movements to ensure safe operation.

This diverse articulating crane has become the go to crane on many work sites. It can actually take the place of several different cranes on many sites. When not in use this crane can fold in on itself, so it takes up less room than a standard crane. The articulating crane can definitely take a job site to the next level.

Once a worker has completed the Heavy Equipment Operator training, he will often head right out to his new career at an engineering or construction company. The new skills that have been taught will begin to become second nature with the experience gained in the field. At this time, a worker will either decide that he or she is happy working as a heavy equipment operator, or that he is looking for something more from his career. There are many paths that can be taken at this point, but one route that can be chosen in this decision making process is to move into crane operations.

Crane operators require some additional training and skills above the requirements for a heavy equipment operator to safely operate these mammoth machines. To be able to operate a crane on a work site, the passing of a certification test is required. With these additional requirements comes more responsibility regarding safety and effective work practices, but with these additional requirements also comes additional pay for the crane operator. In many workers’ eyes, this additional crane operator training is well worth the time spent to ensure a higher salary at the end of the day.

Crane operator training can be a huge investment in any worker’s future. In about a month, a heavy equipment operator can be trained and certified to operate a crane and advance his career. Crane operators are in high demand right now due to the “baby boomer” generation reaching retirement age. Now is a great time for heavy equipment operators to get the crane operator training under their belts. What better time than now to advance a career?

You wouldn’t normally associate heavy equipment with the film and television industry, yet they do appear frequently on camera. What many people don’t realize is that cranes, particularly mobile cranes, are a common tool used behind the camera. For many directors, mobile cranes are used in preference to a wide range of specialist tools that are available.

Mobile cranes are a useful tool for quickly moving scenery, props and even whole buildings when required. Mobile cranes are also used to mount fixed cameras – the director is able to locate a camera exactly where required given the light and other factors present. A smaller version of a mobile crane is mounted on rails. This allows camera operators to smoothly follow the action, being raised and lowered as required.

The skills required to operate these cranes are no different to those required in general industry. It does take a well trained and experienced operator who has well developed skills to follow the precise directions of a film or TV director. The biggest difference is that, in general industry, a crane operator has all the time in the world to complete a task. In the film and television industry, a director expects a crane operator to act quickly, and to get it right first time, every time.

If you’re for a career with a difference, then perhaps a career as a crane operator in the film and television awaits. You will need to undertake mobile crane operator training first, and you will need to develop those skills through a general industry job. However, once you have honed your skills, you can apply for specialist positions within the film and TV industry – every operator has to start somewhere, they just need those fine skills.

Recent weeks have shown that demand for certified crane operators is still strong, and predictions are that demand will continue to grow. The industry is beginning to feel the effect of the ‘baby boom’ as these operators age and start to consider retirement. The predictions are that more operators will leave the workforce than enter over the next five years, a worrying sign for some employers as natural demand increases.

For those considering a career change, becoming a certified crane operator has a lot to offer. The work is stable and well paid, there are a wide range of crane options for new graduates work in, and training is not a long drawn out process. For most people, you can be trained and certified and ready for work in as little as a month, and with demand for operators increasing, employed fairly quickly after certification.

There are two components to a successful career as a crane operator. The first is your basic training, the second your certification, and that comes back to your training. Certification comes with an added benefit – your qualification is a national one so it is valid in every state. It’s also worth pointing out that certification is now compulsory for all crane operators.

ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools has several crane operator training programs available. Upon completion of your training, we also provide the assessments for certification as a crane operator. Once certified, our career services personnel can help you find that first job where you can start to build your experience, and a successful career. If you’re looking for a well paid career that’s in demand, then consider a career as a crane operator.

One of more profitable careers in heavy equipment is that of a crane operator. Because cranes are specialized, they require specific training rather than being included in a heavy equipment training program. However, specific training does not mean you are restricted to one type of crane. While many people opt for an entry level position as a mobile crane operator, you can cast your aspirations a little higher operating a range of cranes.

ATS Crane Operator Schools provide training that meets industry requirements on a number of different cranes. If you are looking at crane operator training, we provide certification programs in:

• Fixed and Swing Cab Mobile Hydraulic Cranes
• Lattice Boom (Crawler or Truck)Cranes
• Articulated Boom (Knuckleboom) Cranes
• Rigging / Signalperson Training and Certification

Training is delivered to NCCCO standards and operators can receive NCCCO certification if they pass the requires tests at the conclusion of their training. NCCCO certification is a nationally recognized qualification which makes operators compliant in all states for work operating cranes that they have received certification in. Certification was introduced to ensure that all operators met minimum standards when it comes to operating skills and safety knowledge.

When undertaking training at ATS, you will receive a blend of classroom and in-the-seat training. This ensures you are trained in the theoretical side of crane operations, a required skill if you are going to be successful in this field. It also ensures you receive all the safety training required to satisfy the safety component of the NCCCO tests.

There are a lot of different types of crane in use around the country. When looking at training to become a crane operator, be sure your crane operator training school has a range of cranes that you can gain experience on, and that you have adequate hands-on, and classroom based training.

Operating a crane can be a challenging, exciting, and somewhat dangerous job. A lot of work goes into lifting a load, especially heavy loads. In fact, lifting and moving a load is often the easy part – the hard part being the planning and setup of your crane. When it comes to crane operator training, you can undertake a three training program that can lead to certification as a mobile crane operator – you may see these positions advertised as CCO mobile crane operators. The CCO refers to certified crane operator.

If you want to move beyond your basic mobile crane, you can take you crane operator training to the next level by adding Lattice Boom (Crawler or Truck) Cranes. A lattice boom crane is so called because of the lattice work used to create the boom. A standard mobile crane has a solid steel boom that can be raised, lowered and sometimes extended. A lattice boom crane is a little more complicated – to gain a longer boom, you need to add lattice inserts. This takes careful planning to ensure your crane is set up right.

One of the big differences, from an operator’s point of view, is the operator’s pre-start inspection. Lattice work, while adding strength to a crane, can also be its weakest point. The rust tolerance level, for example, is zero. This means lattice inserts need to be handled and stored carefully to ensure they are not vulnerable to rust attacks.

Lattice boom cranes are one of the most common cranes used so there is always demand for operators. You do need to be certified as a lattice boom crane operator before you work in this field. This means taking a further two weeks of lattice boom crane operator training and assessment in order to achieve that certification. Once certified, you can work across the nation as a CCO lattice boom crane operator.