Trades in Alberta

On this page:

  • Apprenticeship Education Program 
  • Trades Qualifier Program 
  • Employment in the Trade 

Trades in Alberta

Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane
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    About Restricted Activities
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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.

2-Period Apprenticeship Program
Compulsory Certification

Apprenticeship Education Program

Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.

Credential
  • Certificate of Achievement
Certification
  • Journeyperson Certificate
  • Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
  • 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
Classroom Instruction
On-the-Job Instruction
  • 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.
Exams
  • Theory exam required to complete each period
  • Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)

Trades Qualifier Program

If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.

Work Experience Program
  1. Complete 36 months and 4230 hours of verifiable Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane work experience.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. 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).

Recognized Credentials Program
  1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. 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.

Restricted Activities
  • Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
  • To perform restricted activities, you must be:
    • a registered apprentice, or
    • working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio

Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).

Wages
  • 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%
Recognized Credentials
  • 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. 
Red Seal Endorsement
  • You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.