Lifting Technician
Careers Explorer:
Operate a variety of machines to lift and move materials, equipment or products, safely and efficiently.
Overview
As a Lifting Technician (aka Crane Operator), you’ll prepare and operate different cranes to lift and place a variety of loads in the workplace.
You’ll play a vital role by supporting site projects in which you’ll have responsibility for operating the crane to lift materials and equipment to designated work areas on a construction site.
Be a big part of the rising construction industry and among the cranes that dominate some of our UK skylines. However, make sure you have a head for heights and prepared to work flexibly as working hours can vary.
There’s three routes you can go down as a Construction Lifting Technician:
- Tower Crane – Static cranes used predominantly on construction projects giving key benefits of height and
- Crawler Crane – Cranes mounted on tracks used in a variety of applications including construction, ports and heavy engineering. Cranes are mobile and able to achieve heavy
- Mobile Cranes – Wheeled cranes used in a large variety of applications where lifting is required. Cranes are mobile on wheels and often travel to the job site using the public.
Top 5 Tasks
- Prepare and operate cranes to lift and transfer loads
- Control equipment with levers, wheels or foot pedals
- Ensure that travel routes are clear, avoid lifting over other people, as loads can be slung
- Move material according to a plan
- Set up and repairing equipment.
Salary
A Lifting Technician starting out will typically earn around £25,000 and those at a more senior and experienced level will earn much more, approximately £45,000.
Salaries typically range depending on location, employer and overtime.
Am I Suited?
- Good listener
- Excellent communicator
- Flexible
- Loves machines
- Team player
According to Deloitte’s latest crane surveys, construction activity has hit record levels.
Qualifications
Although no formal entry qualifications are required, it is generally recommended to achieve four GCSEs, including maths and English, at grade 4 (C) or above, or their equivalents.
While experience may not always be necessary, many employers will value construction site work experience in prospective employees.
On-the-job training, including working under the supervision of an experienced Lifitng Technician, is a common route, this allows for the development of the specific skills and qualifications required for the role.
Similarly, applying for a apprenticeship offers an alternative entry route into the profession. A combination of classroom-based theory and practical training will result in the attainment of a relevant NVQ/SVQ Diploma in Plant Operations and the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Operator card.
