Hoisting Engineers are involved in the set up and operator of electric-powered cranes. There are three branches, which differ by the amount of weight a crane can lift. Branch 1 (339A) and Branch 2 (339C) are Mobile Crane Operators, while Branch 3 (339B) is for Tower Crane Operators.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Reading and interpreting construction plans and blueprints
- Calculating crane capacity and weights
- Hoisting, raising, moving, and positioning objects and loads, which weigh in the tons, in response to audio or hand signals from crew members
- Performing difficult maneuvers in tricky situations
- Maintaining a calm demeanour and being able to think through the situation if things go wrong
- Learning, understanding, and applying safety regulations to the job
- Communicating effectively with co-workers to ensure safety of those working near machinery
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but a secondary school diploma is generally required
- Hoisting Engineer Mobile Crane Operator Branch 1 requires 6,000 apprenticeship hours, including two 240-hour in-school training sessions; specific driver’s license requirements also apply; Branch 1 is a Red Seal trade
- Branch 2 is a 1000-hour apprenticeship, including a 240-hour in-school training session
- Hoisting Engineer Tower Crane Operator requires a 3,000-hour apprenticeship; Tower Crane Operator is a Red Seal trade
- Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Hoisting Engineer (339 A/B/C)?
- Members of Union of Operating Engineers; unions takes on apprentices each year and pays percentage of journeyperson's wage, with benefits
- Potential employers include commercial developers, building or heavy construction firms, and manufacturing companies
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $40.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Hoisting Engineer (339 A/B/C)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have good hand-eye coordination? | ||
| Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? | ||
| Are you comfortable working at all heights? | ||
| Do you have a driver license and good driving record? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Are you comfortable with traveling for work? | ||
| Are you good at judging distances and weight? | ||
| Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? | ||
| Are you interested in travelling for work? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Hoisting Engineer may be for you!
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