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Crane driver

Alternative titles for this job include Mobile crane driver, tower crane operator, gantry crane operator

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£52,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could do a college course like construction plant operations.

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

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Lifting Technician Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship to become a crane driver.

You may do a Port Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, if you're going to work in a port. This would train you on how to operate gantry cranes and lifting machinery in a cargo terminal.

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training with off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a construction groundworker, labourer or plant operator.

Once you've got experience of using heavy plant machinery like excavators, you could do crane driver training.

You could also work as a slinger-signaller, the person who guides lifting operations from the ground, then move into crane driving after completing extra training.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

Safety on site is extremely important. Being able to communicate clearly with your slinger-signaller team on the ground is essential.

It's also important to have the confidence to ask questions if any instructions are unclear, especially when starting out.

Further information

You can find more details about how to become a crane driver from Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • concentration skills
  • active listening skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a crane operator, you could:

  • read the day's lift plan and check anything that's unclear
  • set up the crane controls and carry out safety checks
  • load and unload materials from lorries, or containers from cargo ships
  • move materials around a construction site or quarry
  • monitor sensors that measure wind speed, crane stability and load weights
  • report problems to the crane supervisor
  • keep in close contact by radio with workers on the ground to carry out lifts safely

Working environment

You could work on a construction site, at a port or at a quarry.

Your working environment may be at height and noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training you could:

  • become a crane supervisor, directing lifting operations from the ground
  • move into crane engineering and repair
  • become a construction manager, with responsibility for all site operations
  • specialise in working on cranes used in offshore construction or salvage

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Port Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,476 a year Annually
  • Location: Avonmouth, BRISTOL
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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