Unit Code + Name
TLILIC0023 – Licence to Operate a Slewing Mobile Crane (up to 60 t)
Licence Class
C6
Job Outcome
Mobile Crane Operator
Expected Salary
$115,000 - $135,000* or $45-$55 an hour
Small class sizes • CSQ funding available • Day & night courses • Industry Standard Equipment & VR
TLILIC0023 – Licence to Operate a Slewing Mobile Crane (up to 60 t)
C6
Mobile Crane Operator
$115,000 - $135,000* or $45-$55 an hour
*SEEK data, Nov 2025
**State-specific legislation may apply
Get your start in mobile crane operations with this nationally recognised unit. TLILIC0023 covers the skills and knowledge required to safely plan, prepare, operate and shut down a slewing mobile crane with a capacity up to 60 tonnes, the perfect entry point into operating cranes.
Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers at OTJT’s purpose-built Stapylton yard with a fleet of real cranes and real site conditions. You’ll gain the essential technical know-how and practical experience needed to perform lifting operations safely and confidently on worksites across Australia.
How to plan and prepare for lifts — interpret load charts, confirm crane configuration, identify hazards and communicate clearly with your crew.
How to inspect and maintain cranes, lifting gear and safety systems before and after use.
How to set up and stabilise the crane, calculate ground pressures, and apply correct packing and outrigger techniques.
How to operate the crane safely within its rated capacity, using smooth control and coordination to lift, slew, luff and lower loads of different shapes and weights.
How to respond to hazards and emergencies, manage environmental risks such as powerlines, wind or poor ground conditions, and follow all WHS requirements.
How to complete post-operation checks, secure the crane, and record inspection and maintenance data correctly.
Pre-start, operational and post-operation checks carried out safely and efficiently.
Lifting and moving a range of loads — including irregular and heavy items — with clear communication and teamwork.
Understanding of risk control measures, load charts, operating limits and emergency procedures.
Compliance with WHS legislation, manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures throughout every task.
Successful participants who meet all Elements and Performance Criteria, and demonstrate the required Knowledge and Performance Evidence, will receive a Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0023 – Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane (up to 60 tonnes).
This confirms you’ve been trained and assessed as competent in the unit of competency. You’ll then complete a separate licensing assessment under the National Assessment Instruments (NAI) with a SafeWork Queensland approved assessor.
Once both are successfully completed, you can apply to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for your High Risk Work Licence (C6 – up to 60 tonnes).
^Blended learning at OTJT means you can knock over your theory online before you arrive, so your time on site is all about getting hands-on and building the skills you need.
Statement of Attainment: Upon achieving competence in this accredited unit of competency, you will be issued a physical and digital copy of a Statement of Attainment for your official records.
Please note that USI transcripts are only updated once a year, so keep it somewhere safe. Don’t worry, though, if you do lose it, get in touch and we can issue a new one.
High-risk work licence (HRWL): Upon successful completion of the national assessment instruments (NAI), the assessor will give you a candidate assessment summary (CAS). This summary will legally allow you to use that licence to operate cranes within the capacity this licence allows. The Worksafe Qld (WHSQ) will then invite you by email to apply for a HRWL, after which you have just 60 days to apply or will need to be reassessed.
Students with HRWL’s from other states will need to apply to Worksafe Qld (WHSQ) then have the option to transfer their qualification to their state HRWL.
Salary by state: The average per industry varies dramatically by state.
Industry demand: As a standalone industry, Construction has the highest demand for crane operators. Those working in the mining, resources and energy sectors advertise the highest salaries, but high demand also exists in Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, as well as Trades & Services.
The lifting game isn’t just about playing with big-boy toys or moving heavy stuff. It’s about teamwork, problem-solving and turning big plans into iconic landmarks. From bridges and stadiums to tower builds and shutdowns, lifting crews are the ones making the big things happen.
Safely, precisely and with a bit of banter along the way.
OTJT founder Matt Nolan started out as a delivery driver before stepping into dogging, then into the seat of mobile and tower cranes.
So what hooked him, line and sinker?
The engineering brilliance of the machines, and the deep satisfaction of being part of something bigger than yourself. He’d never read a book in his life until he found himself reading crane manuals cover to cover.
Ask him now, and he’ll tell you it’s the problem-solving that keeps it interesting. Every lift is different. You’ve got to think on your feet, work closely with your dogger and riggers, and figure out the best way to make it happen.
“There’s no script. Just trust, skill and teamwork.” – Matt Nolan
In South East Queensland, the lifting industry is booming. From the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and renewable energy builds to hospitals, tunnels and high-rise developments, there’s steady work for licensed operators who know their stuff.
If you’re looking for a career that’s hands-on, in demand and genuinely satisfying, this could be it. You won’t just be working with cranes. You’ll be part of the crew that helps build the civil infrastructure for future generations or stadiums that find their place in Olympic history.
“The lifting game is what we love, and we just want to keep on doing it. How do we do that? By training the next generation into in-demand operators through quality training.” – Matt Nolan, OTJ Training founder
1st Day – Welcome!
After a site induction, you’ll learn the fundamentals of mobile crane operating, covering the theory and practical elements of the course. All students have the option to complete the theoretical learning online via e-learning from the moment they are enrolled before course commencement, but is not mandatory.
2nd-3rd Days – Put it into practice!
With the guidance of the training team, your new knowledge and practical skills will be honed and you’ll complete the unit of competency phase in a portfolio of work.
4th Day – Competent? Time for the NAI’s!
Once you’ve achieved competence in the unit, you will prepare and begin the knowledge, calculation and practical tasks as part of the national assessment instruments (NAI’s). Please note you need to successfully complete the knowledge and calculation assessments before moving on to the practical tasks.
5th Day – Assessments Continue!
Once you’ve successfully completed all the NAI’s, you’ll receive a Candidate Assessment Summary (CAS) from your assessor and can then apply for a C6 class high-risk work licence (HRWL) from Worksafe Qld (WHSQ). Use this CAS as proof of your successful assessment until your HRWL arrives in the post.
Reassessments:
Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.
*Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.
As part of the new Standards for RTOs 2025, all new students must complete a quick LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) Skills Check before we can confirm enrolment.
It’s not a test, and there’s no pass or fail. It simply helps us understand how best to support the learner before training begins. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be done on any device, including a mobile phone.
The table below summarises the level of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ASCF)* (and DigComp) required for this course.
Learning | Reading | Writing | Oral Communication | Numeracy | Digital Literacy |
ACSF 2 | ACSF 3 | ACSF 3 | ACSF 3 | ACSF 3 | DigComp A2 |
We hear that. Our experience is that students often find the numeracy component a challenging part of this course and HRWL courses in general.
If numeracy is a challenge for you, then we suggest you get started with the trainer video tutorials that walk you through some calculations you’ll need to learn related to load chart and pad sizing calculations. You’ll be sent a link to our ‘Training Tid Bits’ portal as soon as you’re enrolled so you can get ahead before you start training on site.
Check out our FAQ’s on this page below for some more info about our learning resources designed to set up all students for success, regardless of their capabilities, or find our Student Support Policy here.
For more information about the ACSF visit the DEWR website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-information-training-providers/australian-core-skills-framework
CSQ
Bert Training Fund
Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.
Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.
| Item | Full Price | CSQ Co-contribution² | CSQ Admin Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6 Crane Ticket | $2,190 | $500 | $50 |
Small Training Provider of the Year
Small Training Provider of the Year
for eligible QLD construction workers
in addition to max time in the seat. Real skills, real fun.
means personalised coaching.
and night classes every 6 weeks—fits your schedule.
including a 101t crawler, 25 t truck crane, 14 t Franna, telehandler and 2 tower cranes for hands‑on training.
midway Brisbane ↔ Gold Coast—easy access.
access to online course materials as soon as you enrol.
leaving your days free to get on with the job.
split your training across days or nights, even multiple weeks.
face-to-face and e-learning elements available.
of students would recommend our training to others.
Source: OTJ Training ASQA Learner Survey 2024
of students said that the training prepared them well for work.
Source: OTJ Training ASQA Learner Survey 2024
Yes, our policy requires a current Licence to Perform Dogging before the C6 course. There’s no relationship more important in a lifting crew than a crane operator and their dogger. They must communicate effectively during lifts, work together on lifting plans and have each other’s backs.
It is no longer a legal requirement, but in our view, one of knowledge, skill and above all, safety.
Five days of training & assessment (plus optional online e-learning). Night classes run 5 evenings + 1 Sat morning.
If you’re a FIFO or shift worker, then we can tailor a training and assessment plan to fit around you through our flexible delivery options.
Give us a call on (07) 3807 6061 and we can develop a plan together.
Yes! Night courses run every six weeks, Mon-Fri 3:30 pm–9:30 pm and a Saturday morning to allow enough time to complete the NAI assessments.
We provide access to our bespoke virtual reality simulator to practice load control, trainer-led coaching, podcasts, study checks, video tutorials & quizzes.
We can also make reasonable adjustments in training delivery and assessment, provided that it doesn’t unfairly disadvantage other students, or go against the rules of assessment conditions for the training product and national assessment instruments.
Those who struggle with LLN & Digital literacy – you are not alone! If you know you struggle in areas of learning, reading, writing, oral communication, numeracy or digital literacy, be sure to let us know and tell us about any strategies you know that help you.
In our experience, the most effective way to combat any learning difficulty while training with us is to be proactive. From the moment our students are enrolled, they will have access to all course materials and learning support resources.
So don’t wait for day 1 – get ahead of the game, minimise stress during the courses and maximise your time doing the fun stuff!
We have weekly intakes. Call us and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate last-minute requests.
*SEEK data, Nov 2025
^Blended learning at OTJT means you can knock over your theory online before you arrive, so your time on site is all about getting hands-on and building the skills you need.
+Includes a Saturday morning to complete assessments.
Ask us a question or request a chat with our friendly
team to enquire about your study options.
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