Why choose the crane industry?
The crane industry is a vital part of Australia’s construction, infrastructure, and heavy industries. From lifting steel beams on city skyscrapers to moving modular homes in remote locations, crane operations support nearly every sector of the economy. With growing investment in major projects and infrastructure nationwide, the demand for qualified crane personnel has never been higher.
- Strong Job Demand
- Attractive Earning Potential
- Clear Career Progression
- Opportunities to Travel
- Hands-on, Practical Work
Traditional crane career pathways
This is a general guide only, as each State’s licences vary. For more state-based information, check out your State’s branch page or contact the CICA Careers team below.
Search for a job in the crane industry!
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Crane Traineeship
No, trainees can only be enrolled into a traineeship by a company.
No, the cost of a traineeship should be covered by your employer.
To join a traineeship, you’ll need to be employed in the crane industry. If you don’t yet have an employer, there are two ways to find one: use the job search tools provided above to look for available positions or reach out directly to a company.
Upon completion of a traineeship you will have the tickets/licences and knowledge to jump into
roles such as Dogman, Rigger, Truck Driver, Crane Operator, etc. However, many employers may still
require a little more experience before stepping into an unsupervised operator role.
There are many different crane type and unfortunately a traineeship does not cover them all.
However, should you complete a traineeship, you will complete the certificate for the C1 licence.
Meaning once you have received your high-risk licence you can operate up to 100 tonne slewing cranes.
Any completed units that are still current may be recognised towards the crane operations traineeship
and credits transferred. Please ensure you advise your allocated registered training organisation upon
commencement, and they will confirm.
Yes, however, bear in mind you cannot complete any high-risk assessments until you are 18 years old.
There can also be age restrictions to access some work sites. The recommended minimum age is over
17.
There is no age restriction, however trainees must be physically fit and able, and have sharp mental
aptitude to successfully complete the traineeship.
Yes. A traineeship is perfect for newcomers as it provides on-the-job training which ensures you get
the best exposure before being signed off.
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Disclaimer: The information displayed on this page is intended as a general guide only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, regulations and requirements may change over time. It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws applicable to your specific job or project. Always consult official regulatory bodies and seek professional advice when necessary to ensure compliance with the latest safety and legal requirements.

