The Association places a great deal of importance on training and safety and has succeeded in raising the standards of operation and efficiency across the face of the crane industry.

By supporting its members in these and other operational objectives the New Zealand crane industry has become an international benchmark of success in these areas.

Thinking of becoming a crane operator?

Cranes play a massive role in New Zealand’s construction sector. By becoming a crane operator you’ll play a direct role in building up New Zealand’s infrastructure. Whether it’s lifting structures into place, moving heavy loads, or unloading containers from trucks – wherever there is development, there is a need for skilled crane operators.

Crane operators use cranes to move large, heavy objects. This can include materials on construction sites, containers on wharves, and heavy parts in factories.

There’s lots of coordination and communication on the job – you’re not the only one on the job! Whether you’re operating the crane itself or you’re on the ground directing the crane, it’s all about the team working together effectively.

​On any given day you could be:
  • Driving mobile cranes to and from work sites
  • Lifting loads using a crane
  • Slinging loads for a crane to lift
  • Checking that the crane is set up correctly and securely
  • Checking the crane’s water, fuel, and oil levels, as well as its other mechanical parts ​
Once you complete your qualification you will be able to work as a crane operator on worksites around New Zealand. From there you’ll be able to get further qualified which will allow you to take on more specialised crane operation roles or move into supervisory roles.
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As you become more experienced, you’ll be able to progress to higher level roles, such as foreperson, supervisor, health and safety advisor, or project manager.

​To learn further about joining the Crane profession, CLICK HERE
Skills has specified competency standards in all areas of crane operations to assist New Zealand Industries to reduce workplace accidents and boost productivity.

Find a Assessor

Training and Assessment Directory

To find a Trainer and or Assessor please click on the Training and Assessment directory to access a list of external training and assessing providers.

Training Information

Thinking about Training? The Association has gathered the following information to help: ​
​The above information was updated on 1 February 2020.

Expiry of Qualifications
and Unit Standards

New Zealand Qualifications and Unit Standards are placed on a trainees Record of Learning and the trainee is then deemed qualified.
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There is no expiry date on any New Zealand Qualification or Unit Standard 

Crane Contract
​Assessor Criteria

A Contract Assessor must:
  • hold Unit Standard 4098
  • hold the New Zealand Qualification and Strand they will be assessing
  • Use Skills assessment resources
  • Provide two written references on company letterhead from full members of the Crane Association of New Zealand to support the application
  • Provide two verbal referees that Skills may contact (must be different to above)
  • Demonstrate practical experience with cranes and lifting equipment in industry. (Must have a minimum of three years experience operating cranes since obtaining the relevant qualification
  • Are encouraged to attain an adult education qualification or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge 
Please contact Skills ITO Organisation for all Crane training related questions, click on this link for further information: ​CLICK HERE or ring 0508 SKILLS.

Overseas Crane Operators 

​Your overseas qualifications are not recognized in New Zealand, however your skills and competency are.
 
It is recommended that you firstly seek an employer; see here for a list of potential employees or view our job portal webpage.
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​Skills has been working with the crane industry and the following is a short video on training in the Crane Industry.