Overview
Learn to service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects.
If you like to work independently and are a capable decision-maker, you'll enjoy a career as a mobile crane operator. You'll set up, service and operate hydraulic booms mounted on turrets that are affixed to trucks and are capable of moving heavy loads.
Certification is required when operating:
- booms (including telescoping booms and articulating booms possessing live lines) capable of swinging, hoisting and booming up and down with a lifting capacity of greater than 5 tons (4.5 tonnes) and equal to or less than 65 tons (59 tonnes)
- articulating booms WITHOUT live lines with a lifting capacity of greater than 8 tons (7.3 tonnes) and equal to or less than 65 tons (59 tonnes).
Operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate the crane and raise and lower loads. They often perform all or some of these operations simultaneously.
This is a compulsory trade - to work in this trade you need to hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the boom truck trade:
- coordination and manual dexterity
- the ability to work at heights
- the strength, stamina, and ability to use proper lifting techniques to lift items weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- good vision
- the ability to work as part of a team and communicate with ground crews, usually using hand signals and voice communication
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Boom truck operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries, and by crane rental companies. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates. Many crane operators are members of unions.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may also advance to supervisory positions. Some journeypersons go on to run their own business – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate
Admission and completion
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 10-2
- Math 10-3
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
How to register
Registration for technical training is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Training
Courses
The term of apprenticeship for a boom truck operator is 1 year (one 12-month period), including a minimum of 1200 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of technical training subject to the training institutes.
Technical training performance
To be successful in technical training, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each Trade Qualification Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $720 | $231 | $54 | $1,005 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
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