Bolstering the Crane Operator Workforce in B.C. 

// December 02, 2024

The crane industry is incredibly busy with high demand continuing for crane operators in all related work sectors. And, as experienced operators in the industry approach retirement, there’s an increasing need to attract and train new talent. 

However, employers and owners of businesses across the province know there’s a shortage of skilled tradespeople in B.C. and crane-related industries continually report challenges recruiting and retaining certified, competent, reliable crane operators. 

To solve this problem, it’s important for us to know what’s keeping new talent out of the industry. How can we as an industry continue to attract and support the growth of new talent and tap all available candidate pools? 

We do know that there are a few important factors contributing to the challenge of recruiting and certifying new crane operators. One of them relates to how people perceive themselves in the role of a crane operator —people don’t see themselves as potential crane operators.  

This can be because of their gender, cultural background or other personal characteristics that can hold people back from even considering crane operations as a career. 

BC Crane Safety will be conducting a survey targeting the crane operator community and industry. Our goal is to identify exactly what characteristics help to predict success as a crane operator, and how those qualities can be recognized and developed. 

We want to hear from you. Your participation will be vital to help us build a strategy to improve the recruitment and retention of certified, competent, reliable crane operators. 

Please stay tuned. We will be communicating details on how you can participate soon, and we look forward to hearing from you all.