Working as a crane operator can be exciting. You are up in the air, watching buildings rise up and, when it is completed, you know you contributed to something that will last for a long time. You can look at the skyline of major cities in Colorado and see the mark you’re leaving on this world.
Of course, a crane operator has a lot of responsibility in maneuvering such a large piece of equipment and lifting heavy loads. This is why you have to go through formal training and certification before you are allowed to step into the cabin of a crane.
What Are the Basic Requirements for Attending a Colorado Crane School?
To enlist in a crane school in Colorado, you need to be at least 18 year olds and have a high school diploma. The school will teach you various theoretical concepts related to crane operation and you must be capable of grasping them.
A crane is a complex machine that has electrical, hydraulic and load bearing systems. As an operator, you must know how they work and identify signs of malfunction. You will learn all these in a Colorado crane school.
At the same time, you must hold a driver’s license. Various employers require you to have a commercial driver’s license, so you should consider obtaining it, as well.
Finding the Best Colorado Crane School
The crane operation field is highly regulated, both by the OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration and by the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators).
Thus, you must make sure that the school you select provides training recognized by these two organizations.
With these being said, here are a few helpful tips to find your Colorado crane school:
- Check the NCCCO Website
As per the regulations, the NCCCO cannot endorse any crane school. However, if you find a school in their online register, you can be sure that they provide high quality training.
- Online Registers for Heavy Equipment Training
If you look for “Colorado crane school” online, you will find individual school websites, as well as nationwide registers for crane operator training centers. These registers also offer helpful information, such as the duration of courses and the specialization you may choose.
- Choose Schools that Offer Apprenticeship Programs
Learning theory is just a part of your learning path. You also need hands-on experience. After 4 to 6 weeks, your formal theoretical training will be completed. The ideal solution is to continue it with an apprenticeship program offered by the same school.
This allows you to save time and get all the education and on the job training you need without any gap.
- Consider a School that Prepares You for NCCCO Certification
Getting you NCCCO certification is not mandatory, but you should consider it if you aspire to earn a higher salary. The NCCCO certification will also open new job opportunities for you, such as crane inspector.
Conclusion
Training to become a crane operator does not take too much time. Within one year, you can complete both the course and the apprenticeship. In a short time, you can get a full time job and start a fulfilling career for your ambitions. Good luck!