Cranes
Training crane operators
NZ Certificates • Levels 3–4 • Cranes

Become a confident, safe crane professional. Choose your level and specialise across crane types where you can train on the job with EarnLearn support, build signalling and lifting capability, and progress your career.

Certificate Only process
The Certificate Only process changed on 31 August 2025. As part of this change, the pathway for completing a qualification through Certificate Only is no longer available.
All new learners must now enrol through a full workplace-based training and assessment pathway with an approved employer and training arrangement.
EarnLearn is no longer accepting Certificate Only applications.

What you'll learn

Operate cranes safely with strong hazard ID, load security, and communication.

Carry out pre-use checks, basic maintenance, and documentation to workplace standards.

Read load charts and apply practical lifting principles for your crane type.

Work effectively with dogmen/riggers, signal correctly, and follow site procedures

Choose your level & strand​

Pick Level 3 or Level 4 to see available strands.

Cab-controlled overhead crane

Dogman

Pendant-controlled overhead crane

Self-erecting tower crane

Truck loader crane

Advanced Dogman

Crawler crane

Mini crawler crane

Mobile crane

Non-slewing articulated crane

Tower crane

Training format

On-job training with your employer plus EarnLearn guidance and assessment.

Indicative timeframes

Timeframes vary by exposure and assessment progress.

What you'll learn

Earn while you learn: Full-time employment with structured training and support.

On-job + off-job: Competency tasks verified by your supervisor; theory delivered as needed.

Safety first: Strong focus on lifting plans, communications, PPE, and site procedures.

Progression: Choose strands that match your role and unlock advanced responsibilities.

Career outcomes & licensing

Operate in roles aligned to your strand: overhead, mobile, crawler, tower, truck loader cranes, or dogman.

Progress to advanced lifts, planning, leadership, or supervision.

Pathways to specialised crane operations across construction, ports, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Specific licence/permit requirements vary by employer, site, and crane type.

NEXT STEPS

How can EarnLearn help you?

Get the right level of support, whether you’re training on the tools or building a safe, capable lifting team.

Train your Cranes team with less admin.

EarnLearn supports crane employers with structured workplace training, clear milestones, and reliable progress tracking. That means less paperwork, fewer delays, and operators building competence in real lifting environments.

What you get

  • Clear visibility of crane apprentice progress across lifting operations, signalling, and crane-specific tasks
  • Structured milestones that reduce admin load and keep training moving
  • Consistent assessor and verifier support to help operators stay engaged and complete on time
For employers →
Talk to us →

Stay on track from day one.

Get structured Cranes support with clear evidence requirements and regular check-ins, so you always know what to work on next and how to progress toward completion.

 

What you get 

  • Clear Cranes milestones so you understand what comes next
  • Support with evidence collection, assessments, and competency sign-offs
  • Regular check-ins to keep progress steady and avoid delays
For trainees →
Talk to us →
crane trainees

A clear pathway into
your trade

Earn while you learn with structured training, real-world experience, and ongoing support. We help apprentices understand what’s required at each stage and stay focused on progressing toward qualification.

For apprentices →
Two young trades workers wearing safety gear smile at the camera on a building site, with a modern black house in the background.
crane employers

Built for employers who
want certainty

Hiring an apprentice is a commercial decision. We work alongside employers to manage training requirements, compliance, and progress so your trainee adds value to the business while staying on track.

For employers →
Strand levels

Choose your pathway

Cranes apprenticeships are structured by level and strand. Your level reflects your stage of training, while your strand defines the type of crane work you are trained and assessed in.

You can add further strands over time as your experience grows.

You are employed and learning at the same time. Most of your learning happens on the job, with assessment and support helping you work towards a recognised qualification.

Cab-controlled overhead crane: Train to operate cab-controlled overhead cranes in industrial environments, with a focus on safe lifting, clear communication, and controlled load movement.

Dogman: Develop core skills in slinging, signalling, and lift control, forming the foundation for many crane operations and future progression.

Pendant-controlled overhead crane: Learn to operate pendant-controlled overhead cranes, focusing on precise control, safe load handling, and clear communication in busy work environments.

Self-erecting tower crane: Build capability in self-erecting tower crane operations, including safe lifting practices, coordination with site teams, and controlled load placement.

Truck loader crane: Train to operate truck loader cranes for loading and placement work, with emphasis on stabilisation, lift planning, and safe work procedures.

You are employed and learning at the same time. Most of your learning happens on the job, with assessment and support helping you work towards a recognised qualification.

Advanced Dogman: Progress dogman skills to support complex lifts, higher-risk environments, and advanced coordination across crane operations.

Crawler crane: Train in crawler crane operations, focusing on safe set-up, load control, and working across varied site conditions.

Mini crane: Develop skills to operate mini cranes in restricted or tight-access environments, with strong emphasis on planning, stability, and precision.

Mobile crane: Progress to mobile crane operations, including safe crane set-up, operational awareness, and controlled lifting under varying site conditions.

Non-slewing articulated crane: Train to operate non-slewing articulated cranes, focusing on safe loading processes, stability management, and controlled placement of loads.

Tower crane: Progress to tower crane operations with a strong focus on lift execution, communication, and managing complex lifting activities on large sites.

HOW IT WORKS

A clear, supported Cranes pathway

EarnLearn works alongside crane operators and employers to deliver practical, workplace-led training that builds safe lifting capability without unnecessary complexity or time off site.

01

Get set up

We work with you and your employer to confirm the right Cranes qualification, level, and strand(s), along with a clear training and assessment plan from day one. This ensures training aligns with your crane types, site requirements, and lifting operations.

02

Learn on the job

Cranes training is mapped directly to real lifting work. Skills are developed on site, in live worksites, across pre-use checks, lifting operations, signalling, and communications relevant to your crane strand.

Training is completed while working, in real operating conditions.

03

Check in and track progress

Regular check-ins, clear milestones, and structured assessment support help operators progress through Cranes competencies while giving employers visibility over training progress, safety performance, and compliance.

04

Stay supported

Ongoing learning and wellbeing support helps crane operators stay motivated and on track. Employers receive consistent guidance, issue resolution support, and a clear point of contact throughout the training journey.

05

Finish strong

We support trainees through to completion, ensuring crane competencies are assessed, verified, and recognised against industry standards. Operators finish confident, competent, and ready to perform safe lifting operations on site.

Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support
Frequently Asked Questions

Cranes FAQs

Quick answers for learners and employers about the New Zealand Certificates in Cranes (Level 3 and Level 4)

You can complete the New Zealand Certificate in Cranes (Level 3) and then progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Cranes (Level 4). Both are completed on the job and made up of specialist strands. Most learners start at Level 3 and then specialise further at Level 4.

Cranes: Level 3 →
Cranes: Level 4 →

EarnLearn delivers nationally recognised workplace-based training, apprenticeships, and assessment services across a range of trades and industries. This includes full training programmes as well as Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) pathways for people already working in their trade.

Our programmes are designed to be practical and industry-led. Learning and assessment are grounded in real workplace tasks, supported by structured learning resources, clear evidence requirements, and regular check-ins. This ensures training is relevant, achievable, and aligned with real job performance, not just theory.

See our courses →

Training is workplace-based and assessment-led. Skills are developed on the job in real industrial environments, with evidence gathered from day-to-day tasks and verified by a qualified workplace verifier, supported by EarnLearn assessors.

Employers →
Trainees →

We assist with recruitment/onboarding through our EarnLearn TradeMatch, structured training plans, assessor support, and pastoral care.

EarnLearn TradeMatch →
Wellbeing Support →
Learning Support →

No. The Certificate Only process changed on 31 August 2025 and EarnLearn is no longer accepting applications.

GET In touch

Talk to us about Cranes

Whether you’re starting out as a crane operator or an employer building lifting capability, we’ll help you confirm the right crane qualification pathway and get on-the-job training underway.

Confirm the right Cranes qualification and strand(s) at Level 3 or Level 4

Understand assessment, evidence, and competency sign-off requirements

Get a clear training plan so progress stays safe, compliant, and on track

Send an enquiry

Share a few details and we will point you to the right next step.

Tip: If you are an employer, include how many apprentices you want to train.

Cranes apprenticeship Get in touch

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Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm: 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)

support@earnlearn.ac.nz

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