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Courses by Type

Crane Operator

Book your crane operator course with Major Training today. Browse high-risk licences for legally and safely driving cranes in Queensland and NSW. Ideal for high-paying roles in construction, engineering, logistics, civil construction, and manufacturing.

Contact us or click on one of the courses below to book your crane operator course today.

Location
Industry
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EWP-Licence
TLILIC0005

Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (11 metres or more)

Trimble Excavator
Slewing Crane
TLILIC0021

Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane - (C1) Up to 100 tonne

Slewing Crane
TLILIC0022

Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane - (C2) Up to 20 tonne

Slewing Crane
TLILIC0023

Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane - (C6) Up to 60 tonne

Vehicle Loading Crane
TLILIC0024

Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (Capacity 10 metre tonnes and above)

Construction Industry (White Card)
Safe Working at Heights

Why Study Crane Operator

Crane operators are in high demand across Queensland and NSW, especially as infrastructure expands. The Olympics are coming to Brisbane in 2032, which means construction jobs are in high demand now, including crane drivers and operators.

Studying a crane operator course with Major Training means you’ll get high-quality training in high-risk crane driving. You’ll be fully equipped with the qualifications to operate cranes legally in Australia.

  • On-site training – our experts come to your job site, or we provide training at one of our dedicated sites across Queensland (like Brisbane, Cairns, and the Gold Coast) and NSW (Newcastle).
  • Learn with an RTO – as a Registered Training Organisation, we are authorised to deliver nationally recognised crane operator courses.
  • Tailored Crane Training – earn your slewing crane licence (C1, C2, or C6) or gain specialist vehicle-loading crane training, alongside vital construction and logistics courses. Whatever your crane operating needs, we can help.

Book a crane operator course with Major Training today.

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Career Pathways for Crane Operator Courses

Crane operator courses are designed to equip you with the right skills to drive cranes and load vehicles. Depending on the licence, you’ll be qualified to lift and drop loads of up to (and in some cases, over) 100 tonnes, but crane operator courses also teach skills related to safe work practices, Queensland health and safety regulations, and site management procedures, so you’ll get transferable skills for other job roles like dogman, rigger, supervisor, inspector, and manager.

Possible Roles

Dogman/Rigger: Before stepping into the cab, many crane operators begin their careers as a dogman or rigger. In this role, you’ll be responsible for setting up lifting equipment and directing cranes to pick up loads safely. It’s a nDogman/Rigger: Before stepping into the cab, many crane operators begin their careers as a dogman or rigger. In this role, you’ll be responsible for setting up lifting equipment and directing cranes to pick up loads safely. It’s a natural entry point from crane driving courses.atural entry point from crane driving courses.

Crane Operator: This is the most direct career path after completing a crane operator course. It’s also a role you legally can’t get without a crane operator licence, so make sure you complete a course before applying.

Tower Crane Operator: This role sees you responsible for lifting materials and equipment to huge heights using specialised tower cranes. This HRW licence class requires dedicated training and a cool head at altitude, but rewards operators with strong wages and a consistent job market.

Crane Lift Planner: Experienced crane operators can become lift planners. They design and approve lift plans, essentially managing crane operations on a site or project. A natural progression path from crane operator positions.

Site Supervisor: Crane drivers may also progress into site supervisor roles, where they’ll manage staff and materials on an entire site. This means they’re responsible for more than cranes, as they oversee site-wide operations.

Logistics Director: Having a background in crane operating sets you apart when it comes to management roles. You’ve been there and know how it works, making you the perfect candidate for senior positions like a logistics director for a shipping company.

Potential Wages Could Be In The Region Of $80,000 To $160,000 Per Year

Crane Operator FAQS

How much is a crane operator course in QLD?

Crane driving and operating is a highly specialised and risky skill, so courses usually cost a few thousand bucks. For example, earning your C1 slewing crane licence costs up to $2,595, while a vehicle-loading crane licence costs up to $1,845. In Queensland, funding is available through Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), and employers are often able to receive grants from the government to pay for their workers’ crane qualifications.

What qualifications do I need to be a crane operator?

Alongside foundational construction qualifications – such as health and safety and working at heights training – you’ll need specialist crane operator licences. The licence you’ll need depends on the type of work you want to do. For instance, you’ll need a vehicle-loading crane licence if you want to take on work that involves moving and transporting vehicles.

How long does it take to learn crane operating?

Some crane operator courses can be completed within a week, but these are specialist licence courses aimed at workers with existing qualifications. If you’re starting from scratch, it can take around 3-4 years to become a fully licensed crane operator.

Are crane operators in Australia well paid?

Yes, crane operators are among the highest-paid tradespeople in Australia. This is because crane driving is a very high-risk job with huge responsibilities, so many companies offer big pay packages and perks for crane drivers. Crane operators earn upwards of $120,000 per year.

How much do crane operators earn in QLD?

Crane operators in Queensland typically earn between $110,000 and $135,000 per year, with many in big companies earning more. The more qualified you are as a crane driver – such as by getting specialist vehicle-loading qualifications or higher weight class certifications – the more you can earn in Queensland.

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Why Our Students choose to study with major

Both students and employers consistently select Major Training as their training partner of choice due to our regularly scheduled short courses and flexible training delivery options. We offer weekly short courses across multiple sites including on-site/private courses, and our qualifications can be delivered either onsite or remotely, catering to diverse preferences. Our trainers, who are industry experts, dedicate themselves to customising their delivery to meet the specific needs of our students.

10,000+

Students Each Year

Over 10,000 students complete their training with us every year!

95%

Student Pass Rate

We maintain an impressive 95% pass rate and offer additional support where needed to ensure every student's success.

#1

RTO For Flexible Delivery Options

Our commitment to flexible delivery options allows you to train on your terms.

25+

Years Experience in Training

Leading the way in real-world training for the Construction, Automotive and Engineering Industries for over 2 decades.

Our Training Locations

Our training services are available across Queensland and northern New South Wales, catering to both urban and regional areas. Additionally, we offer the flexibility of providing training at our designated facilities or directly at your onsite location for added convenience.

Yatala Office

Gold Coast Training Courses

Major Training provides certified apprenticeship training courses on the Gold Coast at our purpose-built facility in Ormeau. From heavy vehicle training to high-risk licencing, we deliver a range of courses at this convenient location to prepare you for career advancement.

Tickets & Licencing

Brisbane Training Courses

Major Training’s purpose-built facilities in Morayfield and Dinmore provide essential training for apprenticeships in Brisbane. Our simulated worksites allow you to develop skills in a real-world setting, giving you the confidence to access employment opportunities immediately after graduating.

NSW Training

NSW Training Courses

Major are delivering training in regional NSW for a variety of courses including load shifting, industry short courses, and some engineering skillsets.

Cairns Office

Cairns Training Courses

Major Training Cairns is a purpose-built facility to provide certified apprenticeship and training courses in Cairns. A family run business that has been in operation for over two decades, Major Training is passionate about educating and empowering students. 

Regional and Onsite Training

Regional & OnSite Training Courses

Do you find it difficult to release your staff for training, or find it challenging to coordinate a location for off-site training?
Major makes it easier. We can provide trainers across Queensland, and across Australia, for a number of our qualifications.

FUNDING

Industry Funding Options Available

Major Training Group has various funding options available for those wishing to undertake training with us across a range of industries. Funding possibilities include State funding, industry funding, or self-funding options.

Career Start

Career Start, funded by Department of Trade, Employment and Training supports Queensland job seekers to start their career, or move into more skilled roles or full-time employment.

Smart & Skilled

Smart and Skilled is the central NSW Government program for vocational education and training (VET) and is also the vehicle for delivering NSW Fee Free.

Career Boost

Career Boost, funded by Department of Trade, Employment and Training, helps Queenslanders to level-up at work, enabling them to grow and apply their skills to existing or new roles, and support productivity growth and workplace innovation.

CSQ Funding

If you’re considering upskilling in construction, you may be able to receive support from CSQ funding. Where CSQ funding doesn’t cover the full cost of the program, you will be required to contribute towards the remaining course fees.

VET in Schools (VETiS)

VETiS supports secondary school students in Year 10, 11 or 12 to undertake VET qualifications funded by Department of Trade Employment and Training while they are still at school.

Study Now Pay Later

Major Training has can now offer you the opportunity to pay your course on a flexible weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plan through our finance partner or by selecting AfterPay at checkout.

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Talk to A Course Advisor

Need some help or want to find out more about our courses? Get in touch on 1300 790 822

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