Training in New Zealand is changing

The vocational education system in our country has been under review, and significant changes have been made to how this works. Learn more about this HERE.

You can still get started - here's how

The crane industry offers a number of pathways for people who want to pursue a varied career, with opportunity for progression in skills, responsibility and salary. 

Crane training is done via work-based learning. This means you need to be employed in order to enrol into training. Don't let this deter you, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances at securing a trainee role.

​Such as:

• Make sure you have a full drivers licence
  • Even better if you have Class 4, but this is not essential
• Get experience in any part of the construction industry - particularly in commercial or infrastructure projects
• Truck driving experience is also a useful pathway into the crane industry 

Once you secure a role as a trainee, your employer will arrange your training. The type of training and the progression, will depend on the company.

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How does work-based training work?

As part of starting with a new company, they'll let you know what training they will provide and what the steps are.

It is likely that you'll start out learning the role of 'Dogman' and / or 'Rigger'. These roles are a vital part of any crane crew. They can often be performed by one person on a small lift - or a team of multiple people on complex lifts.

Dogman - the crane operators eyes and ears
Through a mixture of hand signals and radio communication, the Dogman helps direct the load and guide the operator as they perform the lift.

Rigger - secures the load and connects it to the crane hook
They choose the right lifting gear, secure it around the load so it’s balanced, then connect it to the crane’s hook. 

These roles provide essential experience to move into a crane operator role.

CANZ endorses the following industry qualifications: 

Qualifications:
Level 3 Qualifications Program
Level 4 Qualifications Program

The above qualifications are due to expire and the unit standards that make up the certificates, will be replaced by new Skills Standards late in 2025.

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​​Entry level Micro-credential COMING SOON
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We are creating a short entry-level Micro-credential for those wishing to enter the crane industry.

This is a short, focused stand-alone award that provides learners with specific introductory skills into the crane industry.

It allows learners to gain basic knowledge without the need to be employed, helping increase the chances of employment. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear more about when this will be released.

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