Unit Code + Name
CPCCLTC4001 – Licence to operate a tower crane
Licence Class
CT
Job Outcome
Tower Crane Operator
Expected Salary
$115,000–$135,000 pa, $45-55 an hour*
CPCCLTC4001 – Licence to operate a tower crane
CT
Tower Crane Operator
$115,000–$135,000 pa, $45-55 an hour*
*SEEK data, Nov 2025
**Cranes & Lifting, 18 April, 2024
Get above the rest with this nationally recognised unit. CPCCLTC3001 covers the skills and knowledge required to safely plan, prepare, operate and shut down a tower crane on construction and industrial worksites.
Tower cranes are essential on multi-storey builds and large projects where precision and communication are critical. This course gives you the competence and confidence to operate safely at height and within complex site environments.
Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers at OTJT’s purpose-built Stapylton yard using two full-size tower cranes and a VR simulator for immersive, real-world practice. You’ll get the chance to experience both hammerhead and luffing-jib configurations under close supervision — not just limited off-site demonstrations.
How to plan and prepare for tower crane operations — interpret lift plans, identify hazards, confirm crane configuration, and assess weather and ground conditions.
How to inspect and maintain crane components, hoist ropes, slewing systems and safety devices.
How to set up and configure the crane, including operational limits, wind speed restrictions, and load path planning.
How to operate the crane safely to hoist, slew and land loads with precision, communicating effectively with riggers and doggers via hand and radio signals.
How to respond to hazards and emergencies, including power loss, high winds, or mechanical faults, in line with WHS and manufacturer requirements.
How to complete shutdown procedures, isolate the crane and record inspection details.
Accurate and safe pre-start, operational and post-operation checks.
Smooth, coordinated control during a range of complex lifts.
Sound understanding of WHS responsibilities, load charts, wind effects and emergency procedures.
Consistent compliance with workplace and manufacturer requirements throughout all lifting operations.
Successful participants who meet all Elements and Performance Criteria, and demonstrate the required Knowledge and Performance Evidence, will receive a Statement of Attainment for CPCCLTC3001 – Licence to operate a tower crane.
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 (CT – tower crane).
^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 tower cranes. Worksafe Qld will then invite you by email to apply for a CT Class 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 then have the option to transfer their qualification to their state HRWL.
Roles: Tower Crane Operator, Relief Operator, Lift Supervisor.
Crane Operators earn: Avg ~ $125,000 pa or $50 an hour (SEEK data, Nov 2025)
Industries: High‑rise construction, infrastructure, precast, heavy lift.
Pathways: Complete alongside CS Self‑Erecting Tower Cranes and save on the course combo. Speak to our staff for more information on (07) 3807 6061
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 CT class high-risk work licence (HRWL) from Workplace Health & Safety Queensland. 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 2 | ACSF 2 | ACSF 2 | 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
https://onthejobtraining.edu.au/csq-funding-2024/
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-contribution | CSQ Admin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Crane Ticket Course (CT) | $2,477 | $600* or $1300* for Tower Combo | $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 CT course.
There’s no relationship more important on site 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 or nights of training & assessment (plus optional online e-learning).
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.
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 and delivery, 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 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.
Request a chat with our friendly
team to inquire about your study options.
