Next Generation

Read our ConExpo preview, for a flavour of what the show has to offer. This will be followed next month with a more in depth show guide; if you are exhibiting at the show send me details and I'll include it in the guide – but please be quick, as ever, there's not much time!

I must admit, despite having attended two previous ConExpos, it came as a surprise to learn that, away from the fanfare of manufacturers presenting their latest lifting equipment, there are trainee crane operators taking their certification exams at the show and developing their careers in the lifting industry.

Spare a thought for any crane operator trainees feeling nervous just before their written and practical exams... or maybe it's just me who doesn't like tests? Good luck guys and girls! More details about these NCCCO certification exams can be found in our safety and training feature.

This feature also provides an outline of the many educational and training sessions, held by the NCCCO and SC&RA, scheduled to take place at the show.

An interesting development also highlighted in the safety and training feature took place at the recent Bauma 2022 trade show in Munich, Germany.

At the show operator-in-training, Patrick Schultka, who had no prior experience with cranes, spent eight hours over the course of four days at the show using CM Labs’ Tower Crane Simulation Training Pack, based on the real-world CCO exam, to gain DGUV certification. Schultka achieved this via self-guided practice and one-on-one coaching from a trainer. Full details in the feature.

The fact that such an established and esteemed safety certification body is open-minded enough to embrace new technology is both exciting and promising for the future of operator training.