What does a Hoisting Engineer (339 A/B/C) do?

Hoisting Engineers are involved in the set up and operator of electric-powered cranes. There are three branches, which differ by the amount of weight a crane can lift. Branch 1 (339A) and Branch 2 (339C) are Mobile Crane Operators, while Branch 3 (339B) is for Tower Crane Operators.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Reading and interpreting construction plans and blueprints
  • Calculating crane capacity and weights
  • Hoisting, raising, moving, and positioning objects and loads, which weigh in the tons, in response to audio or hand signals from crew members
  • Performing difficult maneuvers in tricky situations
  • Maintaining a calm demeanour and being able to think through the situation if things go wrong
  • Learning, understanding, and applying safety regulations to the job
  • Communicating effectively with co-workers to ensure safety of those working near machinery

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but a secondary school diploma is generally required
  • Hoisting Engineer Mobile Crane Operator Branch 1 requires 6,000 apprenticeship hours, including two 240-hour in-school training sessions; specific driver’s license requirements also apply; Branch 1 is a Red Seal trade
  • Branch 2 is a 1000-hour apprenticeship, including a 240-hour in-school training session
  • Hoisting Engineer Tower Crane Operator requires a 3,000-hour apprenticeship; Tower Crane Operator is a Red Seal trade
  • Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification 

What's Your Future as a Hoisting Engineer (339 A/B/C)?

  • Members of Union of Operating Engineers; unions takes on apprentices each year and pays percentage of journeyperson's wage, with benefits
  • Potential employers include commercial developers, building or heavy construction firms, and manufacturing companies

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $40.00 per hour. 

Self-Rating

Hoisting Engineer (339 A/B/C)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you have good hand-eye coordination?
Are you able to work indoors and outdoors?
Are you comfortable working at all heights?
Do you have a driver license and good driving record?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Are you comfortable with traveling for work?
Are you good at judging distances and weight?
Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision?
Are you interested in travelling for work?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Hoisting Engineer may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

  • Heavy Equipment Operator (backhoe, bulldozer, excavator)
  • Power Line worker

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