Crane School Exists & it’s Definitely Worth Your Time

Blog, Crane Operator

Construction projects call for a lot of heavy equipment, which if not handled with proper training and safety measures are likely to cause hazardous accidents on-site.

One of the most commonly used pieces of heavy equipment is cranes. They are used to lift and move heavy objects on construction sites and come into use during the construction of high-rise buildings and heavy civil projects such as bridges and dams.

Cranes are either fixed to the ground or mounted on a vehicle, which moves it around. While there are several types of cranes, the most commonly used crane type is the mobile crane. They are generally preferred due to their flexibility and mobility.

Due to the rise in construction projects and an increase in the demand for crane operators, crane schools are set up to impart the essential training required and improve safety once in the field. Here is most everything you should need to know about joining crane schools.

Why Attend Crane School

According to Recruiter, the demand for crane and tower operators is expected to increase, with an expected 1,390 new jobs filled by 2018. This denotes an annual increase of 0.44 percent over the next few years.

With crane operators being in high demand, providing technical knowledge and hands-on training on handling cranes becomes vital. This not only improves the safety conditions, but also leads to an increase in productivity.

What’s more, OSHA has recently passed new regulatory standards making certification for crane operators nationwide mandatory, effective by November 2018. This ensures the presence of well-qualified crane operators in the industry and reduces the possibility of accidents on-site.

Benefits

If you plan to make a career in construction, you must consider joining crane school for the multiple benefits it offers.

Firstly, being a certified crane operator will boost your confidence on the job. Handling heavy equipment like cranes is a huge responsibility because the safety of the crane operations lies on your shoulders. Hence, the more training and knowledge you gain, the better you perform.

From items falling from the crane hook to electrocution and crane toppling, crane accidents are a potential mishap on construction sites that can occur due to mechanical failure, assembler negligence, and often a lack of operator knowledge.

To avoid such catastrophic accidents, it is important to be updated with the latest safety measures and get the necessary training. While not all accidents can be avoided, quality operator training surely does reduce the possibilities.

Last but not the least, certification also instills confidence in employers and strengthens your profile as a crane operator. After all, a certified operator is far more likely to be hired over those without certification.

Course Overview

While training courses differ from school to school, the crux of it remains the same. Students should receive a holistic understanding of both the practical and the theoretical aspects of crane handling and operations.

It starts with understanding what it takes to be a crane operator and the seriousness of the job. Students need to be disciplined and take their jobs seriously. Staying safe is key and students are training on the safety standards they need to maintain on the job.

While theory is important, getting hands-on training is equally essential. Students are taken out into the field and are asked to implement their learnings. They handle the cranes on their own while being supervised. This helps them get more comfortable and familiar with the job and all that it entails.

By the end of the course, students are expected to pass the final exam, which tests their knowledge and indicates how prepared they are for this crucial role.

Course Outcome

Apart from learning the basics of crane handling, such as setting up cranes, picking, swinging, and placing the heavy items, participants will also be able to handle cranes keeping the highest safety standards in mind.

They will confidently be able to use operational aids and safety devices that are required in their daily course of work. They will be able to recognize and evaluate site conditions for any signs of hazard and thereby manage operations better.

Communication is an important aspect of the job and the ability to read and use signals such as radio and hand signals which constitute most of the communication involved in a crane operator’s job.

Crane schools also train you on how one should react in times of crisis, such as accidents and machinery failures.

NCCCO Certification

After successful completion of the program, participants are granted the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators’ (NCCCO) Certification of Crane Operator.

NCCCO is a non-profit organization responsible for establishing and administering the certification of crane operators. The most widely recognized certification, being CCO certified affirms you as a competent and knowledgeable crane operator.

We at West Coast Training offer an 8-week crane operator and rigging course that trains entry-level crane operators to prepare them for employment operating various types of construction cranes, such as lattice boom crawler mobile cranes, large hydraulic mobile cranes, tower cranes, and more. Graduates hold up to 9 NCCCO crane certifications, including Level 1 Rigging and Signal Person. Being an approved NCCCO testing facility, students are able to complete the practical exams right here on campus. The training atmosphere replicates the actual workplace conditions, allowing participants to get an understanding of what the job entails. West Coast Training prepares trainees with the knowledge and skills needed for them to gain certification and excel in the field.

We take pride in our advanced training facility and are committed to helping students secure a rewarding career in construction. So, whether you are currently working in the construction industry, or you want to explore a beginning a career in the same, consider availing yourself to our training courses to take your career to greater heights.