Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator Training Updates

All changes effective as of October 23, 2019 – unless otherwise stated

 

Course outline changes

Mobile crane operator apprentices share a common first period with boom truck operator apprentices.
The new course outline introduces small hydraulic crane training and larger capacity boom trucks.

Changes to on-the-job training (hours)

Mobile crane operator hours increase from 1,500 to 1,620 for first and third period of technical training. Second period hours increase from 1,500 to 1,800 as this period does not include technical training.

Tower crane operator hours increase from 1,000 to 1,320 for first period and second period increases from 1,000 to 1,500 hours.

The increase of hours only applies to apprentices registering on or after October 23, 2019. Apprentices registered before this date have until August 31, 2024, to complete their training under the original hours. However, if these apprentices become cancelled and do not contact AIT within 30 days of the cancellation date, they will be required to register into the new mobile crane operator or tower crane operator apprenticeship program and complete the new on-the-job training hours per period.

 NOTE:  No changes of hours for boom truck operator (1,200 hours) and wellhead boom truck operator (100 hours).

Trades Qualifier program – Based on Work Experience

Mobile crane operator hours increased from 6,750 hours to 7,560 hours.
(Minimum requirement is 54 months and 7,560 hours).

Tower crane operator hours increased from 3,000 hours to 4,230 hours.
(Minimum requirement is 36 months and 4,230 hours).    

Certification and regulation changes (effective September 1, 2018)

  • Only certified tower crane operator journeypersons and apprentices can operate a tower crane. However, journeypersons issued a mobile crane operator or boom truck operator certificate before September 1, 2018, can continue to operate a tower crane.
  • Boom truck operators and wellhead boom truck operators will see an increase in the maximum lifting capacity from 45 tons to 65 tons. They cannot operate a tower crane.
  • The Boom Truck Exemption Regulation no longer applies to trades and occupations outside of crane and hoisting equipment operator. For example, powerline technicians, electric utilities and industrial enterprises certified before January 1, 2005, now require a boom truck operator certificate or have to be registered as a boom truck operator apprentice.
    • Anyone operating a boom truck with an identification card issued by an approved training provider under the Boom Truck Operator Exception Regulation can continue to work under the original conditions outlined in the identification card, as these cards do not expire.
    • These identification cards are non-transferrable between employers. Anyone operating a boom truck with an identification card must continue to work with the employer who issued it. If not, they need to be certified as a boom truck operator or register as a boom truck operator apprentice

 

Download a printable version of the CHEO program changes here.