Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (11 metres or more)
Machinery Control Training
Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane (Capacity 10 metre tonnes and above)
Construction Induction Card (White Card)
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.
- Gain in-demand skills – crane operators are needed in all kinds of Queensland industries, such as construction, mining and energy, civil construction, logistics and supply chain, shipping, and manufacturing.
- 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.
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
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.
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.

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

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

RTO For Flexible Delivery Options
Our commitment to flexible delivery options allows you to train on your terms.

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.
Resources & News
Find out more about how we can help you















