CPCCLDG3001 – Licence to perform dogging

Dogging is where most lifting careers begin. This nationally recognised unit, CPCCLDG3001 – Licence to perform dogging, covers the skills and knowledge required to safely sling loads, direct crane movements and communicate effectively on construction and industrial worksites.

Doggers play a vital role in every crane lift. Making sure loads are secured correctly, movement is controlled, and everyone stays safe. Training is delivered at OTJT’s purpose-built Stapylton yard by experienced industry trainers using real loads, cranes and lifting gear, so you’ll gain the confidence to operate safely from day one.

What you’ll learn

• How to plan and prepare for dogging tasks; interpret lift plans, identify hazards and confirm lifting requirements.

• How to select, inspect and use lifting equipment, including slings, chains, shackles and spreader bars.

• How to determine load weight and centre of gravity, and choose the right slinging method for each job.

• How to apply correct signals to guide crane operators safely and accurately.

• How to communicate clearly and effectively using standard hand, whistle and radio signals.

• How to implement risk controls and respond to hazards, including working near powerlines, unstable loads and changing weather conditions.

• How to complete post-operation checks, store equipment, and report faults or incidents in line with workplace procedures.

What you’ll demonstrate

• Accurate pre-task planning and hazard identification.

• Safe use of a variety of lifting gear for different load types.

• Clear and consistent signalling to crane operators.

• Understanding of WHS obligations, load calculations and emergency procedures.

• Compliance with site procedures and manufacturer specifications throughout all lifts.

Successful participants who meet all Elements and Performance Criteria, and demonstrate the required Knowledge and Performance Evidence, will receive a Statement of Attainment for CPCCLDG3001 – Licence to perform dogging.

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 (DG – dogging).

🔗 View the full unit details on training.gov.au

• Labourers looking to train up into skilled work
• Construction workers seeking lifting skills.
• Transport, Warehousing & Logistics workers – needing skills to safely move heavy loads
• Career changers entering the lifting game in construction and heavy industries

• Day classes: Every week, Mon–Fri, typically 6:30 am–3 pm
• Night classes: Every 6 weeks, Mon-Fri  3:30 pm–9:30 pm
• Optional pre-course learning^: or purely Face-to-Face with a trainer
• Private groups: Book your crew for private, tailored classes

^Optional pre-course learning lets you access your training materials early, along with extra support resources like videos, podcasts and step-by-step tutorials, so you can get ahead and spend more time on-site building practical skills and preparing for your licence assessments.

• 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 perform dogman duties.  The Office of Industrial Relations 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 Safework Qld then have the option to transfer their qualification to their state HRWL.

• Dogman/Rigger (Queensland)– Avg ~$85k pa or $45 an hour.
  
• Dogman/Rigger (Australia)– Avg ~$90k pa or $45 an hour.
• Step into rigging (RB/RI/RA) or crane operation (CN/C2/C6/C0/CT/CS/CN).
• Work in construction, civil, mining, ports, manufacturing, or event staging.

According to Seek data as of Nov 2025, the mining, resource and energy sectors are offering the highest wages for Dogmen, with the most opportunity available in the Trade Services sectors, with construction 3rd on the list.

Why you should join the lifting game

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 DG 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.

• ID & USI: Provide 100 points ID and a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• PPE: steel‑cap boots. High‑vis vest, gloves and hard hat can be provided upon request.
• Age: 18+ 
• LLN: basic English literacy (LLN & Digital Literacy Skills Check must be completed by new students).
• HRW Licence application fees: see WorkSafe QLD for current costs. $109.71 as of Aug 2025

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.

I was no good at maths at school!

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

• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent, not-for-profit, industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices, trainees and career seekers in the building and construction industry.
• CSQ funding helps to reduce the financial obstacle to training, making upskilling an affordable option for many more individuals in the construction industry.
• CSQ contributes towards the cost of courses to reduce the cost to participants. CSQ funding is paid directly to the contracted RTO.
• For more information, visit our CSQ Funding Page

Bert Training Fund

• For those who are CFMEU members and have an account with Bert.  
• Members commonly access Bert Training Funding to cover part of the ‘out of pocket’ cost in conjunction with CSQ funding, which covers the rest. The member may also need to make a further contribution.
• When CSQ Funding is not available, then Bert members often access this fund as an alternative to support the cost of their training
• Members can approach the Bert Training Fund manager to request financial support or request OTJ Training to approach them on their behalf.

• Provide 100 Points of identification (as per Worksafe Queensland requirements)
• Steel cap work boots
• Safety gloves (can be provided)
• Hi-Visibility shirt and hard hat (can be provided)
• Suitable outdoor work clothing (no singlets)
• USI Number (Find My USI)

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.