Why crawler crane operators are in demand
Crawler cranes handle some of the biggest lifts on site – from piling work and foundation builds to large industrial projects.
With major infrastructure continuing across the UK, qualified operators are in short supply.
If you’re looking to move into heavy lifting or formalise your experience with a recognised ticket, there are two trusted routes: CPCS A02 and NPORS N103. Both lead to the same core skills and national recognition – but the path you choose depends on how and where you plan to work.
When you train with Ivor King, you’ll learn on real equipment, guided by instructors who know exactly what it’s like to operate on live civil and piling sites.
CPCS A02 – Crawler Crane Over 10 Tonnes
The CPCS A02 course is widely recognised on large construction and infrastructure contracts.
It covers crawler cranes over 10 tonnes and focuses on the safe, precise, and efficient operation needed on high-risk lifting jobs.
What you’ll learn
- Setting up and configuring crawler cranes.
- Reading and applying load charts.
- Communicating clearly using recognised signalling methods.
- Carrying out safe lifting procedures and routine checks.
Who it’s for
Choose this route if you’re aiming for major sites or contractors that require a CPCS card.
Assessment & certification
You’ll complete both a theory and a practical test at our training centre.
Passing earns you a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card (valid two years), with the option to move up to a Blue Competent Operator Card after gaining experience and an NVQ.
📘 View CPCS A02 Crawler Crane Training
NPORS N103 – Crawler Crane
The NPORS N103 course offers the same practical training but through a more flexible delivery and assessment route.
It’s recognised across civils, piling and plant-hire work, making it a good fit if you’re looking for a broader range of projects.
What you’ll learn
- Safe set-up and operation of crawler cranes.
- Pre-use checks and machine maintenance.
- Load control, signalling and clear communication.
- Risk awareness and site safety.
Who it’s for
Pick NPORS N103 if you want a recognised qualification that adapts to smaller contractors or site-based testing.
Assessment & certification
You’ll be trained and tested by NPORS-approved instructors.
Successful candidates receive a five-year NPORS Operator Card, which can be CSCS-affiliated for site access if required.
📘 View NPORS N103 Crawler Crane Training
CPCS or NPORS – Which One’s Right for You?
| CPCS A02 | NPORS N103 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accrediting body | Construction Plant Competence Scheme | National Plant Operators Registration Scheme |
| Recognition | Often required on major contracts | Widely accepted across UK construction |
| Crane capacity | Over 10 tonnes | All standard crawler cranes |
| Typical duration | 4 – 10 days | 4 – 10 days |
| Card validity | Red Card 2 yrs → Blue Card with NVQ | 5 yrs renewable / CSCS-affiliated option |
| Delivery format | Centre-based assessment | Centre or site delivery (flexible) |
If you’re working toward large infrastructure or principal-contractor projects, CPCS is often the safer choice.
If flexibility matters – or you work mainly with regional civils and plant-hire companies – NPORS offers the same competence with a more adaptable format.
Either way, you’ll finish with the skills, confidence and paperwork to operate crawler cranes safely and professionally.
When You Train with Ivor King
We’re not just a training centre – we’re an active piling and civil-engineering contractor. That means your training reflects what actually happens on site, not just what’s in the textbook.
You’ll train on real crawler cranes, under the supervision of instructors who’ve spent years working on lifting operations across the UK.
Our courses focus on practical ability, safe working habits and clear communication – the things that really make a difference once you’re out on site.
What you can expect
- Hands-on learning using real crawler cranes and lifting gear.
- Experienced instructors who’ve operated the same plant you’ll be learning on.
- CPCS & NPORS testing at our accredited centre.
- Safety built in – signalling, exclusion zones, load charts and risk assessments throughout.
- Small group sizes and feedback that helps you improve with every lift.
- Convenient Midlands location – our Nuneaton centre is close to the M1, M6 and A5.
Why these skills stay in demand
Every major infrastructure or piling project relies on skilled crawler-crane operators.
There simply aren’t enough qualified people to meet the workload, which means operators with either a CPCS A02 or NPORS N103 ticket can find steady, well-paid work across the UK.
Training with Ivor King gives you more than a certificate – it gives you practical confidence and a real understanding of how safe lifting happens on site.
Large infrastructure projects often specify CPCS, but many civils and plant-hire companies accept NPORS. Both are nationally recognised and respected.
Courses usually run between four and ten days, depending on your experience and assessment route.
No. Both CPCS and NPORS offer novice and experienced-worker courses.
You’ll learn crane set-up, load-chart reading, signalling, and safe lifting procedures – everything needed to work confidently on site.
All courses take place at our Nuneaton training centre in the Midlands.
Call Katie on 02475 380 025 to find out more.
