Select a Heavy Equipment School That Will Focus on NCCCO Training
You’ve done the research and you’ve made up your mind. It’s time to head down your bright new career path as a crane operator! The road ahead might seem daunting, but here at West Coast Training, we’ve got your back. There’s plenty to know about being a crane operator, but where do you even start? We’re here to tell you.
The first step before beginning your new career is to get some training under your belt. You shouldn’t just settle for any training, though. You’ll need something that will really help you in the long run, something that you can put on your resume with pride. That’s why when you’re looking at heavy equipment schools, you should choose one that will help you qualify for certifications from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
NCCCO training will not only help you do your job well, but it will also give you the credentials needed to advance your career. Here are just a few reasons why you should select a school that focuses on NCCCO training.
NCCCO Training Improves Workplace Safety
First and foremost, proper training will keep you and your coworkers safe. There’s no escaping the fact that construction sites can be dangerous places, so it’s up to you to minimize those dangers. The proper education will help you do just that, giving you the tools and awareness you need in order to be a responsible member of the team.
NCCCO training will bring you up to speed on the current safety standards and help you stay informed as they evolve. Since the organization began setting those standards, accidents involving cranes and other heavy equipment have dropped significantly. For example, take a look at the accident rates before and after California implemented NCCCO training. Between 2002 and 2005, there were 10 fatalities and 30 injury cases. When the NCCCO certifications were adopted between 2005 and 2008, those numbers dropped to just 2 fatalities and 13 injury cases. Clearly, the certifications make a difference.
You owe it to yourself and your coworkers to keep the site safe, so do your part and get the proper training!
Investment in Your Future
If you’re going to spend the time and the money needed to complete a training course, you should get the most value out of it that you can. And when you pick a heavy equipment school that focuses on NCCCO training, you’ll be sure to see your return on investment.
According to research done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017, the mean hourly wage for a crane operator is $26.78. The mean isn’t the end, though! As you gain experience and become a highly sought-after operator, you can even earn up to $40.53.
On top of the solid pay rates, many employers will offer benefits packages for their crane operators. Healthcare, retirement packages, and vacation time can all come with the territory. Crane operators are in high demand and the job market is expected to grow. Now is the perfect time for you to join the field!
Before you can reap the rewards of a career as a crane operator, you’ll need to put the time in and get that certification. Crane operators can’t work without first earning it, so select a school that will help you earn the NCCCO approval. With the right training and great instructors, you’ll be certified before you know it.
The Certification Proves You are a Professional
NCCCO training isn’t just about gaining the education you need to be a skilled crane operator. Everything you learn will be invaluable, but the certifications will lend you a lot of credit and authority.
Since we assist with employment, we know that companies specifically seek out crane operators who are NCCCO certified because they know they can count on them. They know that anyone who has completed an NCCCO training program and earned their certifications is up to the national standard for crane operators. Other training programs will certainly help you build your knowledge base, but it doesn’t carry quite the same weight as having the NCCCO name behind you.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has very recently announced a final rule on crane operator certifications. The rule states that employers will be required to train, evaluate, and document that their crane operators can safely operate their equipment to OSHA standards.
As part of their role in standardizing crane operator training, NCCCO works closely with OSHA to ensure those who receive certifications meet those standards. When you choose a school that focuses on that NCCCO training, you can be sure you’re complying with the most current safety regulations.
Certifications Lead to Open Doors
Having NCCCO certification helps set you apart from the crowd. There are plenty of people who would like to get into the crane operation business, but not all of them will have had adequate training. Whether it’s because they haven’t had the time or they didn’t have the patience, not everyone will put in the effort before heading out to the job market. Even just proving that you can commit to a training program for an extended period of time can make you shine when it’s time to apply for a job. Really, there’s no better way to establish yourself as an intelligent, valuable employee.
NCCCO training will help you get that first job, but it doesn’t stop there. Crane operators who complete NCCCO training courses can expect better job opportunities than those who do not.
The more training you receive as a crane operator, the better pay you can expect as you advance in the field. The combination of on-the-job experience, along with a commitment to continued training, will make you an important asset to any company.
Remember, being a crane operator isn’t something that just anyone can do! Even with a strong industry outlook, in order to have a long, healthy career as a crane operator, you need that sense of dedication to the work.
If you have that dedication, why don’t you take a look at the NCCCO training programs we’ve got to offer? We’re happy to help you take those first steps toward your new career!