8221 — Crane drivers

What this occupation covers

Crane drivers supervise and undertake the operation of cranes, jib cranes, power driven hoisting machinery and power driven stationary engines to raise and lower mine and other cages, and to lift and move equipment, materials, machinery and containers.

Typical duties

gives signals for movement of cage carrying workers/equipment

starts crane or engine motor and checks that cables run freely and that brakes and drum(s) are working

manipulates levers, switches and pedals to rotate jibs into position and turns winding drum to raise or lower hook, bucket or other holding equipment

lifts load or cage, or hauls object into required position and lowers or positions for ground workers to detach, unload or load

watches control panel for warning lights and indications of wind speed and direction and carrying capacity of crane

oils and greases machine and checks ropes

Entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements, though GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. Entry is typically through an apprenticeship programme or college course in conjunction with on-the-job training, leading to a NVQ/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or through building up work experience operating other heavy machinery supplemented with short courses. Operators are required to hold a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card owned and administered by the National Open College Network (NOCN) group, demonstrating basic skills and safety awareness.

Sponsorship information

Ineligible. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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