Mobile Crane operator
Apprenticeship

As a Mobile Crane Operator, you’ll be responsible for the heavy lifting that makes construction and repair work possible. Whether you’re hoisting steel with ironworkers on a building site, managing complex lifts at railways, ports, or resource industry yards, or handling critical operations in the marine construction industry, our program prepares you to handle it all with confidence.

Technical training is conducted at our 40-acre site in Maple Ridge, and, with nearly 60 years of training expertise, we prepare apprentices to meet the rigorous demands of the industry.

You’ll learn to operate a variety of equipment, starting with our state-of-the-art simulators and on to our lattice boom crawler, and rough-terrain, all-terrain, and truck-mounted cranes. Our curriculum covers everything from the fundamentals of crane operation to advanced topics like load chart reading, safe rigging practices, lift planning, and the latest industry technologies. We also focus on the practical skills needed to maintain cranes, rig up machines, and set them up for safe and efficient lifts.

Certification is a crucial requirement in this field, at the IUOE Local 115 Training Association (IUOETA), we not only prepare you for the Red Seal certification but also provide the opportunity to become a registered apprentice working under the guidance of certified journeypersons, thanks to our union affiliation. Our program is accredited with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) and is a SkilledTradesBC designated trainer.

More information

Mobile Crane Operator Program Outline

Level 1

OVERVIEW:

This foundational level introduces apprentices to the core principles of mobile crane operation, focusing on safety, basic operation techniques, and the essential calculations needed for everyday tasks. Theory includes load chart interpretation, rigging calculations, safety regulations, and lift planning. You will also practise on our simulators and operate cranes.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Occupational Skills
  • Hoisting Calculations
  • Safety Protocols
  • Use of Rigging
  • Pre-Operational Inspections and Maintenance

Level 2

OVERVIEW:

Building on the fundamentals, this level delves deeper into the technical aspects of crane operation, with a focus on more complex tasks and advanced safety procedures.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Advanced Rigging Techniques
  • In-Depth Hoisting Calculations
  • Maintenance Procedures
  • Specialized Operations
  • Load Chart Reading
  • Practical Training

Level 3

OVERVIEW:

This final level prepares apprentices for the most complex aspects of crane operation, including critical lifts and the integration of new technologies into crane operations.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Lift Planning and Operating
  • Critical Lift Procedures
  • Advanced Operating
  • Multi-Crane Lifts
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Practical Training
  • Assessments

Hands-On Experience

Throughout all three levels, apprentices are required to accumulate on-the-job hours, working under the supervision of certified journeypersons. This experience is critical to reinforcing classroom learning and developing the practical skills necessary for certification.

Pre-requisites:

  • A valid Class 3 driver’s licence with Air Brake Endorsement (Class 1 is recommended; most employers require a Class 1 licence)
  • A Grade 12 education, as recommended by SkilledTradesBC (The essential requirement is that applicants have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry.)
  • A minimum score of 70% on our Online Trades Assessment
  • An IUOETA Training and Apprenticeship application form
  • An updated and current resume
  • A copy of your current driver’s abstract from ICBC

English Language competency for individuals that don’t have a GED or Grade 12 equivalency from Canada, may be required.

  1. Applicants must submit:
  • An IUOETA Training and Apprenticeship application form
  • A current resume
  • A current driver’s abstract from ICBC
  1. Applicants will be registered for the Online Trades Assessment by the IUOETA.
  2. Applicants will receive a link from SkillPlan for the Online Trades Assessment. This will include their log-in credentials, practice materials, and the Online Trades Assessment.
  3. Applicants must complete the Online Trades Assessment and achieve 70% or higher.
  4. The Online Trades Assessment will be marked, and applicants will receive their final results.
  5. If you are successful, your application, along with your Online Trades Assessment results, will be sent to a Training Coordinator for final evaluation. They will contact you for an interview. If you are unsuccessful, a member of the IUOETA will contact you about potential options.

For applicants that are unsuccessful, we will keep your application on file for one year. After that time, if you did not receive an offer, you will need to reapply.

  1. You will receive a link from SkillPlan that will include your log-in credentials, practice materials, and the Trades Assessment.
  2. You will have access to the user guide, practice materials, practice assessments, and the final trades assessment.
  3. The assessment must be completed on a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and microphone that meets the minimum system requirements.
  4. You will have two weeks to complete the Online Trades Assessment exam. This two-week period starts from the date you first log into your account.
  5. Wait for your results. You will receive an email with your results, indicating whether you passed of failed.

Level 1: Monday to Friday, at Maple Ridge training site (7 weeks)
Course dates: To be announced

Levels 2 and 3 (combined): Monday to Friday, at Maple Ridge training site (6 weeks)
Course dates: To be announced

Total accumulated hours equivalent to 266
(Level 1 = 245) (Level 2/3= 210)

MEMBER
Rate

NON-MEMBER
Rate

Level 1 (Tuition): $1,250.00*

Level 1 (Tuition): $13,250.00*

Level 2 (Tuition): $625.00*

Level 2 (Tuition): $7,625.00*

Level 3 (Tuition): $625.00*

Level 3 (Tuition): $3,625.00*

*Not including the cost of books, registration, and additional materials.
Prices subject to change. 

FAQs

Upon completing each level of technical training, you will receive a course completion certificate.

To receive a BC Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) with Red Seal Endorsement from SkilledTradesBC, crane operators must successfully pass Levels 1, 2, and 3 technical training, as well as the Level 1 and Level 3 Standard Level Exams and the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam (IPSE). In addition to this formal training, apprenticeship requirements include a combination of set industry hours and seat-time hours. Further, operators must undergo a third-party practical assessment to complete their apprenticeship and to obtain the CofQ and Red Seal.

The minimum requirement for our Mobile Crane Operator Training Program, is to have your Class 3 driver’s licence. It is preferred for applicants to have a Class 1 driver’s licence, as majority of our union employers require their mobile crane operators and apprentices to have a Class 1 licence.

The IUOETA does not provide training for your Class 1 or Class 3 driver’s licence. Please visit ICBC’s website to learn more about obtaining a Class 1 or Class 3 driver’s licence.

Mobile crane apprentices must meet the physical demands of the trade, including heavy lifting of crane components and rigging, working at heights, and placing the body in awkward positions during crane assembly and setup. You must also be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be prepared to perform these tasks for long periods of time.

Although previous experience is an asset, it is not required to apply for the training program.

No, each level of technical training is full time. The training schedule cannot be customized or altered.

A standard Mobile Crane Operator Apprenticeship takes about 3-4 years to complete on average.

Upon completion of any levels of technical training, you will be eligible to book into our Union Job Board. However, to stay on the board, it is your responsibility to check in with your Training Coordinator. There is no guarantee of dispatch or job placements.

No. You do not need to be a Local 115 member to be able to apply for or take our training courses.

If you complete one of our training courses, to become a Local 115 member you must be dispatched to one of our Local 115 union companies and complete three months of work. If you pass your three months of probation, you can be eligible to become a member with IUOE Local 115.

////////////////////////////////////

Get
Started

    Opt in to mobile messages from IUOE Local 115 BC. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

    Which course would you like to know more about?

    Have you worked in construction for more than a year?

    Opt in to email updates from IUOE Local 115 BC