NECS Winter 2025 Newsletter

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NEW ENGLAND CRANE SCHOOL

Winter 2025

How to Become a Crane Operator

One of the most frequent calls NECS gets is from a person looking for a new career who says, “How do I become a crane operator, do you have an entry-level class?” It’s a great question, because crane operators make good money and construction-related companies in New England are always looking for them. And unfortunately, the answer is that no one in New England has a true soup-to-nuts rookie class (if you know differently, please tell us!) A comprehensive entry-level class is typically three to four weeks long and costs many thousands of dollars. If you have the time and the financial resources, look for larger schools in Florida, Texas, Wisconsin or Ohio that have such programs.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t help. Here is the advice we typically give to someone who needs a less expensive option.

First, get a job working on the other side of the hook. Take our one-day Qualified Signal Person and Basic Rigging class and learn how to work in the crane operations environment, then look for work with a company that is willing to put you in a role where you can eventually train as an operator. Once you’re employed by a company that owns and operates cranes, we can help. Our five-day semi-rookie class is meant for companies who need to get their operator trainees started on the right foot. We spend three days in the classroom getting you ready for your NCCER written certification exams, and one day giving you a basic hands-on orientation on a boom truck. Then you can go back to your company to get some seat time and we’ll administer your practical certification exam when you’re ready.

Being certified doesn’t make you qualified, but it’s a start, and OSHA says you have to do it. Think of it like a driver’s permit – now you’re legally able to start getting some real experience under your belt.

That’s our advice, but don’t be afraid to ask others for advice! Talk to your current employer, potential employers, and crane operators you may know. There is more than one path to becoming an operator, and the more potential employers you speak with and show your interest to, the more doors may open for you.


	New England Crane School 2025 Season Schedule

February 3, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Portland, ME

February 3 – 7, 2025
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Portland, ME
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified
February 10, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Montpelier, VT at AGCVT

February 10 – 14, 2025
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Montpelier, VT at AGCVT
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified

March 5, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Portland, ME

March 6 – 7, 2025
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Portland, ME
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

March 19, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Burlington, VT

March 20 – 21, 2025
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Burlington, VT
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

April 7, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Dover, NH

April 7 – 11, 2025
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Dover, NH
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified

April 23, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Concord, NH

April 24 – 25, 2025
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Concord, NH
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

May 19 – 23, 2025
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Shawmut Equipment in S. Easton, MA
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified

June 5 – 6, 2025
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Concord, NH
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

For more information or to register:
email desiree@newenglandcraneschool.com
or visit www.newenglandcraneschool.com

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