Jimmi Nolan It’s the name we use for the world of cranes, rigging and heavy lifting on construction and infrastructure sites. Doggers, riggers, crane operators, spotters and scaffolders work together to plan and move loads safely. This might be anything from concrete panels and steel trusses to wind turbine blades or giant precast bridge segments.
It’s not just about muscle. It takes teamwork, planning and strong communication to get every lift right, and there’s a real sense of pride when it all goes smoothly.
The lifting game can take you just about anywhere. Our students work across:
Once you’re licensed, you can work anywhere in Australia. With experience, that opens doors to crew supervisor roles, dogger or rigger leading hand, crane crew coordinator or site operations positions. Some operators eventually move into lift planning, crane allocation or start their own rigging or hire company.
Most new entrants begin as doggers or basic riggers. These roles are about preparing and guiding loads, not yet operating cranes. But they give you a clear view of how the lift works and what good teamwork looks like.
From there, many people go on to get their C6 Slewing Crane Licence, which allows them to operate mobile cranes up to 60 tonnes. With that licence, you become far more employable and you’re in the seat, not just on the ground in front of it.
Entry to Mid level courses we recommend:
At OTJT, we also offer combo options like C6 to C0 for those who need to up-skill fast.
Starting rates vary, but once you’ve got your high-risk work licence and some experience under your belt, wages are strong. According to Seek, crane operators earn between $90k and $140k per year, with many earning more on shutdowns or FIFO. Doggers and riggers can also earn well, especially on union sites, in mining or with specialised lift companies.
Yes, when done properly. Australia’s lifting standards are some of the toughest in the world. You’ll be trained in hazard identification, exclusion zones, emergency planning and risk management. At OTJT, we use VR simulation, structured face-to-face training and realistic yard scenarios so you’re ready before you ever step onto a live site.
Absolutely. If you’re someone who:
Then this could be a great fit. Crane crews and rigging teams often build long-term careers together. It’s more than just a job, it’s a crew.
And yes, it’s also a great conversation to have with your parents. With the skills shortage across Queensland and a major push toward infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, there’s no shortage of demand. This isn’t a fad trade. It’s a long-term, licensed career that travels with you and isn’t about to be replaced by AI or automation anytime soon.
Plenty of our students are mature-age. Many come from roles like truck driving, logistics, landscaping, earthmoving or the military. Some are office workers who want a change. You don’t need to be 20 and on the tools already. You just need to be ready to learn.
Our small class sizes, supportive trainers and flexible delivery options like night classes or multi-week formats are designed to work around busy lives. We’ve also got interest-free payment plans and CSQ funding available for eligible workers.
We know that jumping into a high-risk course can be daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you last studied. That’s why we give you:
Training should be an investment in your future, not a financial stress. That’s why we offer a few ways to make it easier to get started:
If you work in construction or a related field, you may be eligible for Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) funding. This covers most of the course cost for eligible workers. That means you could pay from as little as $788 instead of $2,190 for your C6 ticket.We’ll help you with the application and let you know what documents you’ll need.
If you’re a union member with BERT contributions, you may also be eligible for support from the BERT Training Fund. BERT often helps cover the gap between CSQ funding and the remaining balance, so some workers can train with little or no out-of-pocket expense.Ask us how to combine CSQ and BERT when you apply.
Not eligible for funding? No worries. We offer interest-free payment plans through:
And if you’re booking more than one course, we offer a 10% discount on bundled high-risk tickets
The lifting game is more than just moving heavy stuff. It’s about being part of a team that builds what most people only see once it’s done. From bridges and buildings to stadiums and shutdowns, the lifting crew is the one that makes it all happen.
If you want a trade that can take you places, challenge you and pay well for doing work that matters, this could be it.
Explore our courses or give us a call on (07) 3807 6061 to talk through your next step.
Request a chat with our friendly
team to inquire about your study options.
