Crane driver
Crane drivers operate lifting machinery at construction sites, quarries, mining sites, ports and warehouses.
Typical Salary
£20,000 – £37,000
per year
Working Hours
37–42
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a crane operator, you'll:
- set up cranes and carry out safety checks
- load and unload lorries
- shift loads around the site
- monitor sensors that measure wind speed, crane stability and load weights
- carry out minor repairs to machinery
- report problems to the crane supervisor
- keep in close contact with workers on the ground to operate safely
Skills needed
- concentration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience and further training you could:
- become a crane supervisor, signaller or slinger
- specialise in operating heavy cranes
- work on construction projects all over the world
- get a manager job with responsibility for the day-to-day running of a site