How to become a crane driver
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college qualification like:
- Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations
- T level for Lifting Technicians
These would teach you how to operate different types of plant machinery. You could then apply to construction companies for a trainee position.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a construction site labourer. Once you've got experience of using heavy plant machinery like excavators, you could do training on the job to move into crane operation.
Direct Application
You could apply directly and learn on the job under the supervision of an experienced crane driver. Some employers may ask for a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.
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Registration
you may need a plant card to operate some machinery
Career tips
You may find it useful if you've got experience as an operative in construction, mechanical engineering or plant operations.
Further information
You can find more details about training and working as a crane driver from Go Construct.