Trades in Alberta
On this page:
- Apprenticeship Education Program
- Trades Qualifier Program
- Employment in the Trade
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Tower crane operators service and operate traveling, fixed, climbing or self-erecting type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib. Tower crane operators are often involved in assembling the crane onsite.
Apprenticeship Education Program
Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.
- Certificate of Achievement
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
- 2 periods (levels)
- Period 1:
- 1320 hours work experience
- 6 weeks classroom instruction
- Period 2:
- 1500 hours work experience
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
- 6 weeks in period 1
- Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended.
- Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here.
- Apprenticeship training may be available through an alternative training provider.
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
- 1320 hours in period 1
- 1500 hours in period 2
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
Trades Qualifier Program
If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.
- Complete 36 months and 4230 hours of verifiable Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($310.00).
- Candidates must provide their own certified crane for the assessment. Assessors will travel to the Alberta site indicated by the client.
Applicants holding a related trade certificate may be eligible for credit toward these requirements (see Related Trade Certificates for the Apprenticeship Education Program above).
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($310.00).
- Candidates must provide their own certified crane for the assessment. Assessors will travel to the Alberta site indicated by the client.
Employment in the Trade
As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 70%
- Period 2: 85%
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.