A Crane Operator Career
A career as a crane operator is rewarding financially and in providing the operator with a sense of accomplishment. A crane is a very complicated and potentially dangerous piece of equipment. It’s not like you can just watch someone operate one and then hop on. Instead, becoming a crane operator and receiving the necessary crane operator certification will take some training and dedication.
How to Become a Crane Operator
Many trade schools and organizations offer crane training. You’ll want to make sure that you earn your crane operator certification from a source that meets OSHA certification requirements, such as Nationwide Crane Training.
There are different types of cranes. Some require more training and additional certification. Once you enroll in a crane training course, you will be able to learn about the different types of machines and decide which you would like to become certified to operate.
What Crane Operators Do
One of the reasons that many crane operators say that they enjoy their jobs is that it is not necessarily the same day in and day out. Crane operators perform a variety of tasks such as:
- Lifting construction materials on construction sites
- Lifting and moving heavy equipment
- Maintaining all safety regulations
- Communicating with others on the team
In addition to operating the crane, communicating and making sure proper safety procedures are followed; crane operators must also participate in continuing education and recertification. Nationwide Crane Training provides all of the certifications and ongoing training that is necessary for you to continue to grow in your career as a crane operator.
Where Crane Operators Work
Crane operators work in a variety of places such as:
- The military
- Shipyards
- Construction sites
- Cruise ship ports
- Government projects, such as building bridges
- And many more
There are many possibilities, which is another reason that many choose a career as a crane operator.
What Crane Operators Love About Their Jobs
So is a career as a crane operator worth all of the training, ongoing education and certifications that are required? Yes! The Wall Street Journal wrote that crane operators are the highest paid construction workers. But the money isn’t the only reason that crane operators love their jobs. Some love the challenge, others the sense of purpose. Below are some quotes from crane operators about why they love their choice of careers.
“I enjoy the thrill of the power of the boom and the engine, balancing the hook, handing someone a beam 300 feet away and putting it right in their hands. I enjoy working with high quality people which many unions provide.”
“Crane operating gives the operator a sense of purpose, knowing that they have the ability to conquer often impossible tasks.”
“I love when I drive past a building years after I have finished it, knowing that almost every part of that structure has gone through my hook. Also, the view from my tower, and being able to nap when I’m not doing anything.”
“I enjoy the thought of 100 years or so down the line , long after I’m dead and gone, somebodys gonna look up at something that I’ve put up and just for a second stop and think ‘I wonder who did that ?’ I know I’m never gonna change the world. I will soon be gone and forgotten, but just for that second…”
As you can see, a career as a crane operator is rewarding in many ways. Start today and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a career as a crane operator.
