As a Tower Crane Operator, you’ll be at the helm of some of the most important operations on construction sites, safely lifting materials to great heights with precision. Whether you’re working on high-rise developments, assembling critical infrastructure, or handling intricate lifts in urban settings, our program equips you with the skills and confidence to excel.

Training takes place at our state-of-the-art facility in Maple Ridge, where nearly 60 years of expertise in crane operation training ensures apprentices are well prepared for the industry’s demands.

You’ll gain hands-on experience operating the latest tower cranes and advanced simulators, mastering essential skills such as rigging, lift planning, safety protocols, and load chart interpretation. Our curriculum also emphasizes critical technical knowledge, including crane assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. Certification is mandatory in this field, and through the IUOE Local 115 Training Association (IUOETA), you’ll be fully prepared to achieve Red Seal certification. Our union affiliation also allows apprentices to work under certified journeypersons, offering invaluable mentorship. As a SkilledTradesBC designated trainer and PTIB-accredited program, we provide the foundation you need for a successful career.

More Information

Tower Crane Operator Program Outline

Level 1

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Common Occupational Skills 
  • Crane Types and Terminology
  • Systems and Components
  • Rigging
  • Hoisting Calculations
  • Crane Inspection and Maintenance
  • Planning a Lift
  • Performing Common Crane Operations
  • Specialized Operations

Level 2

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Common Occupational Skills
  • Rigging
  • Hoisting Calculations
  • Crane Inspection and Maintenance
  • Planning a Lift
  • Common Crane Operations
  • Tower Crane Assembly, Disassembly, Reconfiguration, and Transport
  • Specialized Operations

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 (5 weeks)

February 10 to March 14, 2025

April 07 to May 09, 2025

June 02 to July 04, 2025

July 28 to August 29, 2025

September 22 to October 24, 2025

Level 2 Monday to Friday, at Maple Ridge training site (4 weeks)

November 24 to December 19, 2025

2026 January 12 to February 06, 2026

NON-MEMBER
Rate

Level 1 (Tuition): $4,250.00*

Level 2 (Tuition): $3,250.00*

*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.

No you do not need a Class 3 or Class 1 driver’s licence to operate a tower crane. We recommend that you have a minimum Class 5 driver’s licence so that you can gain access to a job site where public transportation is not accessible.

The IUOETA does not provide training for your Class 1 or Class 3 driver’s licence.

lease visit ICBC’s website to learn more about obtaining a Class 1 or Class 3 driver’s licence.

Tower crane apprentices must meet the physical demands of the trade, including heavy lifting of crane components and rigging, climbing, 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. To qualify to take the program, you are required to be registered as a tower crane apprentice and have an employer sponsor you through SkilledTradesBC.

No, each level of technical training is full time. The training schedule cannot be customized or altered, as per the standards set by SkilledTradesBC.

A standard Tower Crane Operator Apprenticeship takes about 2-3 years to complete on average.

All apprentices, upon successful completion of level 1 technical training can request to be put on our union dispatch list. Employment opportunities through the Union will vary over time depending on the demands from industry. 

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

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