Unit Code + Name
TLILIC0040 – Licence to operate a non‑slewing mobile crane (greater than 3 tonnes capacity)
Licence Class
CN
Job Outcome
Non‑Slewing (Franna) Crane Operator
Expected Salary
Crane Operators Earn $115,000 - $135,000*
Train on real cranes at our award‑winning RTO at our Stapylton yard (midway Brisbane ↔ Gold Coast). Small class sizes • CSQ funding available • Industry Standard Equipment • Most crane classes available incl. C6
TLILIC0040 – Licence to operate a non‑slewing mobile crane (greater than 3 tonnes capacity)
CN
Non‑Slewing (Franna) Crane Operator
Crane Operators Earn $115,000 - $135,000*
*SEEK data, Nov 2025
Get your start in crane operations with this nationally recognised unit. TLILIC0040 covers the skills and knowledge required to safely plan, prepare, operate and shut down a non-slewing mobile crane (also known as a Franna or pick-and-carry crane) with a capacity greater than 3 tonnes.
Training is delivered at OTJT’s purpose-built Stapylton yard by experienced industry trainers. You’ll work hands-on with real cranes in realistic lifting scenarios — not just limited demonstrations. This course builds the foundation for more advanced slewing crane licences.
How to plan and prepare for lifts, including interpreting load charts, identifying hazards and confirming site conditions.
How to inspect and maintain the crane, lifting gear and safety systems before, during and after operation.
How to set up and stabilise the crane — considering ground bearing pressures, load radius, and safe positioning.
How to operate a non-slewing crane to lift, travel with, and place loads safely and efficiently within the crane’s rated capacity.
How to apply effective communication and signalling techniques to work in sync with doggers, riggers and other workers.
How to respond to site hazards, emergencies and weather conditions in compliance with WHS and site procedures.
How to complete shutdown and post-operation procedures, including isolating the crane and final inspections.
Accurate and safe pre-start, operational and post-operation checks.
Safe crane operation including travelling with suspended loads.
Awareness of lifting capacities, operating limits and environmental conditions.
Effective risk management, teamwork and communication in real-site conditions.
Consistent compliance with WHS, workplace and manufacturer requirements.
Successful participants who meet all Elements and Performance Criteria, and demonstrate the required Knowledge and Performance Evidence, will receive a Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0040 – Licence to operate a non-slewing mobile crane (greater than 3 tonnes capacity).
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 (CN – non-slewing mobile 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 non-slewing mobile cranes. Worksafe Qld 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 then have the option to transfer their qualification to their state HRWL.
Specific roles: Franna operator, Yard Crane Operator, Shutdown Crane Crew, Logistics Lifter.
Salary by state: The average per industry varies and 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 CN class
high-risk work licence (HRWL) from Worksafe Qld. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Slewing Mobile Crane Licence (CN) | $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.
C6 & C0 courses scheduled every week
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
Five days of training & assessment. 6.30am to 3pm.
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, our policy requires a current Licence to Perform Dogging before any crane 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.
Our Stapylton yard, midway between Brisbane & Gold Coast, Yatala North exit off the M1.
Yes — subject to eligibility and availability (see CSQ section above or our CSQ Funding page).
Non‑slewing mobile cranes >3 t, commonly articulated “Franna” style units and non-slewing telehandlers with rated capacity over 3t with a job or hook (must have RIIHAN309F – Conduct telescopic materials handler operations competency as well).
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 monthly intakes (check our Course Calendar for details). 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.
