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CRANE & HOISTING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – WELLHEAD BOOM TRUCK |
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Select Alternate Year - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008
There have been no changes to this trade in the year of 2009.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Wellhead boom truck operators set up and operate hydraulic booms used for wellhead pumping, wireline, perforating, coiled tubing, snubbing, and the rig-up and rig-out of slant service rig operations.
Operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate the crane and raise and lower loads. They often perform all or some of these operations simultaneously.
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Wellhead Boom Truck (wellhead boom truck operator) work outdoors, often in noisy, dusty conditions. They work in various locations throughout Alberta, in all types of weather. A 40-hour, five-day week is normal, but overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines.
Occupational hazards include injuries resulting from power line contact, crane overload, falls, weather conditions or manual lifting.
Successful operators are capable decision-makers prepared to work independently when necessary. Yet they also enjoy the comradery of being part of a team and traveling to different locations. They often like variety in their work.
To be successful in the trade, wellhead boom truck operators need:
Wellhead boom truck operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the oil industry and by crane rental companies. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates. Many crane operators are members of unions.
Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $16 to $28 an hour plus benefits.
Experienced wellhead boom truck operators may advance to supervisory positions, or set up their own crane rental businesses.
To work as a Wellhead Boom Truck Operator in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson or hold a recognized trade certificate. (see Recognized Trade Certificates)
Wellhead boom truck operators learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training and, upon successful completion, are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
A wellhead boom truck operator who holds a certificate that was issued by another recognized apprenticeship authority in Canada (province, territory or federal jurisdiction) may apply for an Alberta Equivalency document under the Equivalency Program.
Wellhead boom truck operators who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a credential that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
The term of apprenticeship for a wellhead boom truck operator is 1 year (one 12-month period) including a minimum of 100 hours of on-the-job training and 5 days of technical training.
To learn the skills required of a wellhead boom truck operator in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.
- select an educational institution that offers training for wellhead boom truck operator apprentices, and a time to attend training (see Technical Training Locations and Schedule)
- determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution (see Enrollment Instructions)
When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.
Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
The Wellhead Boom Truck Operator trade does not participate in the Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program.
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who has a recognized certificate, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require an Alberta Equivalency document as proof that the certificate is equivalent to the requirements of the trade in Alberta.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on Canadian credentials, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the verification and assessment of the applicant's work experience hours/months as well as one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
