Trades in Alberta
On this page:
- Apprenticeship Education Program
- Trades Qualifier Program
- Employment in the Trade
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Boom Truck
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Crane and hoisting equipment operators-boom truck operators set up, service and operate hydraulic booms that are mounted on turrets that are affixed to trucks and are capable of moving heavy loads. Certification is required when operating:
- booms (including telescoping booms and articulating booms possessing live lines) capable of swinging, hoisting and booming up and down with a lifting capacity of greater than 5 tons (4.5 tonnes) and equal to or less than 65 tons (59 tonnes)
- articulating booms WITHOUT live lines with a lifting capacity of greater than 8 tons (7.3 tonnes) and equal to or less than 65 tons (59 tonnes).
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
- 1 period (level)
- Period 1:
- 1200 hours work experience
- 6 weeks classroom instruction
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
- 6 weeks in period 1
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
- 1200 hours in period 1
- 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 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 18 months and 1800 hours of verifiable Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Boom Truck work experience.
- Pass two theory exams.
- 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.
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass two theory exams.
- 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 Operator - Boom Truck journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 70%
- 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.