Now, beginners are investing £3,000 in training and finding that they cannot get a job, and if they do, it is short-lived because they are too slow for the client. Most of the old drivers sat with experienced drivers when they were learning. We feel that the industry needs to go back to what works best.
After they have reached a reasonable level of confidence, they would then go on a course for theory training, and to sit a test on one of their cranes, with perhaps four or five tasks to perform in a limited time.
We understand the cost involved, but the government has funds for training programmes, and the extra cost can be passed on to the client. Also you could go and ask for legislation to be put in place for training where tax concessions could be claimed.
So go to www.cranestodaymagazine.com and cast your vote: Should trainee tower crane operators work as an apprentice to a more experienced drivers? If so, for how long?
