Atlantic Canada to Launch Tower Crane Operator Training College Program

September 24, 2012—According to The Telegram, the provincial government of Newfoundland has set aside CA$490,639 for a new tower crane operator training program to be delivered at the Operating Engineers College, Holyrood campus.

 

The province said this program will be the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada and will help meet demands for tower crane operators for projects such as the Hebron gravity-based structure.

 

Funding is provided through the federal-provincial Labour Market Development Agreement. A total of more than CA$700,000 is being allocated for this program, provided through the provincial government, the Operating Engineers College and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 904.

 

Under the new program, three 12-week training sessions will be offered over the next year, with about 10 students in each session. The first training session is planned to begin in October 2012 and will include a combination of classroom-based instruction and hands-on training.

 

Students will have the opportunity to develop and apply skills needed to operate a tower crane through the use of a computerized simulator featuring crane controls, a cab-like enclosure, surround visual-system, life-like work sites and instructor’s station. Students will also gain field experience in using a 16-tonne tower crane, similar to the cranes to be used for the Hebron construction site.