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Crane operation apprenticeship course

Duration: 2 years
Structure: 12 weeks training plus on-the-job experience 
Location: Bircham (Norfolk) and your workplace
Date
: Continuous start dates available 
Funding: See Grants and funding below

This apprenticeship course is for people who want to gain an academic qualification in crane operating, while gaining professional experience.

You'll learn to operate various cranes safely and efficiently, and to carry out basic maintenance and checks.

You’ll also learn about the duties of an ‘appointed person’, how to conduct risk assessments and how to produce method statements.

Course content

The course covers practical principles in:

  • Crawler crane
  • Tower crane
  • Truck-mounted crane
  • Lorry loader
  • Telescopic handler
  • Slinger/signaller
  • Crane erection.

You’ll learn basic skills, knowledge and awareness in:

  • Employment responsibilities and rights
  • Health and safety
  • Drug and alcohol awareness
  • Appointed person lifting operations.

You’ll also focus on personal skills in:

  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Communication
  • Teaching and assessment

Teaching and assessment

Year 1:

  • 12 weeks training: you'll learn through a mix of classroom-based theory and practical training
  • Theory and practical assessments.

Year 2:

  • Work-based experience with your employer
  • A site visit to assess you for the NVQ level 2 in Plant Operations. 

Our assessment team will track you on-site for the first category of plant selected by your employer for conversion to the NVQ and the full Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) competent operator card (blue card).

Qualifications you gain

  • NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction)
  • Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations
  • Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) trained operator card (red card)
  • Level 1 functional skills
  • Employment responsibilities and rights
  • Personal learning and thinking skills.

Maths and English

The UK government has announced that adult learners over 19 no longer need formal English and maths qualifications for apprenticeships. However, apprentices must still show proficiency in these skills during their training.

At the National Construction College (NCC), we will continue to offer Level 1 and Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills qualifications, along with Applied English and Maths for Construction sessions. These sessions focus on practical, industry-relevant skills to help apprentices succeed in their roles and pass their assessments.

We believe strong literacy and numeracy are crucial for personal and professional growth. By offering these qualifications and sessions, we ensure our apprentices gain essential skills for long-term success.

NCC Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

Level 2 Apprenticeship:
Applicants must have achieved Maths and English at:

  • GCSE grades 3-9 (equivalent to old GCSE grades D-A)
    or
  • Functional Skills Level 1 or above (if qualifications were taken after school).

If an applicant does not meet the NCC entry requirements, our dedicated team is here to provide advice and support on the next steps to help them achieve the necessary qualifications.

Other information

The course involves:

  • good communication skills
  • physical fitness
  • a head for heights
  • technical competence.

Cost

You will be paid while you learn.

Funding

The following CITB grants are available for employers to fund their apprentices on this course:

If you applied for your apprenticeship through the Education and Skills Funding Agency, only applicants aged between 16 and 18 who have not been placed on a training scheme before are guaranteed full funding.

Apply here - online application form

Need more information?

Email: ncc.accountmanager@citb.co.uk

Call: 0344 994 4433

After this course

You can be assessed for higher NVQs at the National Construction College. We provide details to all trainees.

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