The first cohort of apprentices on the inaugural Scottish crane operator apprenticeship have almost completed their first year of the two-year apprenticeship, shaped by the CITB and SPOA and delivered at the National Construction College in Norfolk. Ahead of the deadline for the second intake of the course, the SPOA is keen to highlight the features and benefits of this fully funded course to employers.

The Scottish crane operator apprenticeship is a two-year course featuring:

• Two-week induction period covering health and safety as well as personal and vocational development.
• Four weeks of mobile crane training (CPCS).
• Two weeks slinger signaller training (CPCS).
• One week of plant and vehicle marshaller training. 
• One week of MEWP training (IPAF).
• Two weeks of telehandler training (CPCS).

One employer, Forsyth of Denny, took the opportunity to enrol an apprentice, Rory Piercy, on to the course.

Speaking about the apprenticeship, Mark Syme, director at Forsyth of Denny, said: “We are really happy with the progress Rory has made on the crane operator apprenticeship so far. I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending it to other companies who are considering taking on an apprentice, especially given the financial support that is available to facilitate this.”

Rory Piercy has enjoyed his first year of the apprenticeship: “I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship so far. The tutors at Bircham Newton are excellent. It’s quite an intense course and they really look after you. I definitely think that there should be a better link between schools and industry. At 22, I am a little older than the other apprentices and I would have relished the chance to do this apprenticeship straight after leaving school. I would definitely recommend the course to others and I am grateful to Forsyth of Denny for taking me on and giving me this opportunity.”

Callum Mackintosh, immediate past president of the SPOA, added: “We know that there is a lack of fresh blood coming into the lifting sector with the average age of a crane operator around 60 years old. Up until the introduction of this Scottish crane operator apprenticeship earlier this year, there was very little being done to address this.

“With financial support available to employers to take on apprentices and an excellent curriculum resulting in the attainment of both a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) and the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) blue card, I would encourage employers in the lifting sector to look to the future and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Currently CITB registered employers can get the following support towards the apprenticeship:

• £8,500 L2 Apprenticeship Grant for Attendance and Achievement.
• Subsidised travel (employer contributes first £20/week) and fully subsidised accommodation at the National Construction College in Norfolk for apprentices as well as fully subsidised breakfast and dinner and part subsidised lunch.
• 70% funding of HGV training for mobile crane apprentices via the new CITB Employer Network initiative (rules apply) please reach out to your local CITB adviser for more details.

State-of-the-art equipment from renowned brands such as Liebherr, Tadano, Kobelco, Wolffkran, JCB, Genie and Conquip are used for the training and the NCC’s expansive 450-acre site provides an unparalleled environment for hands-on learning, featuring a diverse range of loads and equipment for apprentices to lift and operate. As a block release system, apprentices are with employers every three to four weeks benefiting from on-the-job learning, gaining practical experience crucial for their professional development.

Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board, commented: “The lifting sector and wider construction industry are essential sectors for our regional and national economic prosperity. We anticipate continued industry growth in Scotland, but we need to meet demand with more people in the workforce with the right skills. This trailblazing group of Scottish lifting apprentices are now on a journey to become fully qualified lifting operatives, and I wish them all the best with their chosen careers.”

Employers keen to find out more about the Scottish crane apprenticeship are encouraged to contact the SPOA at lifting@SPOA.org.uk as soon as possible to fast-track their interest. The SPOA will also support Scottish crane companies in recruitment activity to promote the crane operator apprenticeship and can make the Tenstar simulator, which features a mobile crane package, available to businesses.

The deadline to register apprentices for the second intake of the Scottish Crane Operator Apprenticeship is 29th November. The course begins on 13th January 2025.