• 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

• 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 

• 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

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $40.00 per hour. 

Hoisting Engineer (339 A/B/C)

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Hoisting Engineer may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

• Heavy Equipment Operator (backhoe, bulldozer, excavator)
• Power Line worker