Q. How do I become a crane operator?

A. To become a crane operator, you must first find an employer who will sponsor your training. Because crane operation is a Red Seal trade, you must obtain an apprentice position at a company such as The Operating Engineers Trade Union Local 987, Litz Crane Rentals, Able Movers, Cal-Tex Construction, Sterling Crane, or PCL Construction in order to qualify for training.

More information on being a crane operator is available here:

Manitoba Job Futures

Q. How much will the course cost?

A. There is a $50 registration fee as well as $200 tuition fee per level. The bulk of the course is free of charge, with the majority of the cost being absorbed by the Manitoba Apprenticeship. 

Q. How long is the course?

A. Becoming a crane operator requires thousands of hours of on-the-job training, and requires a huge commitment of time from both the student, and the employer. The level 1 crane operator course offered by OETIM is 245 hours long and is completed over a seven-week period. In addition to the course itself, you will need 1700 hours of practical training per year for a period of three years to complete your apprenticeship. 

More information on apprenticeship is available here:

Apprenticeship Manitoba

Q. What kind of certification will I get once I’ve completed the course?

A. Once you have 3 calendar years and 5100 hours of practical experience, you will be able to write the exam for your Red Seal Journeyman Crane Operator's ticket. When entering the industry, you have a choice of three of cranes you can learn to operate (listed below). After you’ve completed your level 1, you may branch out into one of the following classifications:

Branch 1 - Mobile Crane Operator

Branch 2 - a) Boom Truck Operator: weight designation 13,600 kg or more

Branch 2 - b) above 7300 kg

Branch 3 - Tower Crane

Q. Where is the training site?

A. Red River Community College, Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg.

Q. Do I need a driver’s license?

A. It is highly recommended that you have a class 1 (semi) driver’s license to enter into the course. You will still be eligible for training if you have a regular class 5 license, but the vast majority of employers require you to have a class 1 license in order to be considered for apprenticeship.

Q. Is there a minimum age requirement?

A. You need to be at least 18 years of age to qualify for training.

Q. Is there a minimum educational requirement?

A. No, but completion of grade 12 is encouraged. 

Q. Are there any additional educational requirements?

A. No, you will learn everything on the job.

Q. When is your next course?

A. We will be holding our next training course in March of 2009.

Q. Is there a high demand for crane operators?

A. The employment outlook for crane operators very good.  

Q. Is there any heavy lifting involved in being a crane operator?

A. You should be able to lift a minimum of 30kgs (around 60 pounds).

Q. Do I need to supply anything?

A. You will need your own PPE (hard hat, boots, safety vest, safety glasses).