crane chaser course

Pre-Apprenticeships for Crane Chasers: The Smart Career Start

The Smart Way to Start Your Construction Career

Matt had always loved working with his hands, but the idea of endless school made him miserable. When a mate told him about getting paid to learn construction skills, with the potential of a full-fledged dogman apprenticeship down the line, something clicked.

Matt’s story isn’t unusual. Many people are eager to break into the booming construction industry (Australian Government Job Outlook predicts strong demand for skilled trades) but are unsure where to begin. Pre-apprenticeships offer the perfect solution – a blend of on-the-job experience, structured training, and a wage.

What Exactly is a Pre-Apprenticeship?

Let’s break it down:

Hands-On Training: Instead of being stuck in a classroom full-time, you’ll be on actual construction sites, learning alongside experienced tradespeople.
Formal Study: Pre-apprenticeships usually involve some classroom or online learning components, covering essential construction knowledge, safety, and core trade skills.
Getting Paid: You’re not volunteering! Pre-apprenticeships offer wages, increasing as your skills develop.
The Apprenticeship Advantage: A successful pre-apprenticeship puts you in a prime position to score a full apprenticeship. It’s a way to prove your work ethic and aptitude to potential employers.

Finding the Right Pre-Apprenticeship for Dogman

Not all pre-apprenticeships are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Construction Focus: Some are general, others specialise in areas like carpentry or plumbing. Seek programs that include rigging, load calculations, and crane-related safety training.
Reputable Providers: Look for programs run by registered training organisations (RTOs), TAFEs, or in partnership with major construction companies. This ensures a quality learning experience.
Pathway to Dogging: Ideally, the program should have relationships with employers who hire dogmen. Ask about placement rates and if the training earned will count towards your formal Dogging licence qualifications.

What Will You Learn?

Pre-apprenticeship content varies, but here’s a general idea:

Construction 101: Materials, site terminology, tool identification, basic building processes across different trades.
Safety Supremacy: Safety protocols are ingrained from day one, including specific hazard identification for working with cranes and heavy loads.
Dogman-Specific Skills: Introduction to sling types, load weight estimations, hand signals (you’ll likely get full certification later, but this lays the groundwork).
The X-Factors: Work ethic, punctuality, teamwork… these ‘soft skills’ are what impress employers and make you apprenticeship material.

Is a Pre-Apprenticeship Right for You?

Ask yourself:

Am I a Do-er? If you learn best by getting your hands dirty, this path is promising.
Can I handle the Physicality? Construction is demanding. A decent fitness level is essential.
Do I Accept Responsibility? Safety on worksites is paramount. Pre-apprenticeships are for those who take this seriously.

Success Stories: Real People, Real Opportunity

Fiona: From School Dropout to Skilled Laborer: Fiona struggled with traditional schooling. Her pre-apprenticeship opened her eyes to construction’s varied pathways. She’s now aiming for a dogman specialisation.
Tom: Late Career-Change Champ: Tom was tired of his desk job. A pre-apprenticeship at age 40+ proved it’s never too late. He’s well-liked on site and plans to pursue his Dogging qualifications.

Where to Find Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

State-Based Opportunities: Explore websites of your state’s building and construction authority. They often list programs and funding options.
Government Depts for apprenticeships advice and support, everything you need to become or employ an apprentice in one place.
TAFEs & Training Orgs: Search for courses labeled “Pre-Apprenticeship Construction”. Check if they offer specific dogman content.
Construction Companies: Some larger firms run their own pre-apprenticeship programs. Check their career websites.
Job Boards: Search Seek, Indeed, etc., using keywords like “construction traineeship” or “pre-apprenticeship”.

Overcoming Obstacles

Getting into a pre-apprenticeship isn’t always easy. Here’s how to tackle common challenges:

“I Don’t Have Construction Experience”: Don’t panic! Many programs welcome newcomers. Emphasise transferable skills (teamwork from sports, problem-solving from hobbies, etc.) and your eagerness to learn.
“My Fitness Isn’t Perfect”: Start improving NOW. Simple bodyweight exercise, even brisk walks, build a foundation. Many programs have fitness standards, so being proactive helps.
“I’m Worried About the Math”: Some programs offer catch-up classes in basic construction calculations. Free online resources (like Industry – based Literacy & Numeracy Quizzes ) also help you brush up.

Insider Tips for Getting In (And Getting the Most Out)

Network Like a Pro: Talk to people in construction. Attend builder open days. Enthusiasm and showing initiative stand out more than you think.
Prep Your Application: Get your resume in order, even if it’s light on work experience. Highlight reliability, teamwork, and any hands-on projects (even fixing your bike!).
Ace the Interview: Research the company/program beforehand. Ask smart questions about what kind of projects you’ll work on and the possibility of specialising in a dogman role.
“Once I’m In…” Be a sponge! Ask questions, offer to help, be on time EVERY day. This builds the reputation you need to secure that apprenticeship.

Additional Resources

Mentorship Matters: Consider programs associated with organisations like [Masters Builders Association, or groups supporting Women in Construction]. These often provide mentorship and support alongside your training.
Funding Your Future: Some states offer financial assistance for pre-apprenticeships. Explore your state’s building authority website or training scholarship programs.
Unions as Allies: Even before becoming a member, construction unions often have info on pre-apprenticeship pathways and can offer valuable career advice. (CFMEU is a good starting point).

The Takeaway

Pre-apprenticeships are a win-win: you gain valuable skills, experience, and a foot in the door of the construction industry, while employers get to assess motivated workers for future apprenticeships. If you’re ready to ditch the textbooks and build a real, rewarding career, this pathway could be your perfect launchpad.

Sources for Further Info

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways: https://www.aapathways.com.au/
Job Outlook (Construction Laborer info): https://joboutlook.gov.au/
Your State’s Building/Construction Authority Website: Program listings and eligibility requirements
Tools and Resources: Check your skills meet job requirements

Visit our website, email us high risk work course enquiries or simply call us at 02 4201 0418 to kick start your journey, safely, both physically and mentally, in the field of construction crane chasing.

“Achieve more, become more with Achieve Training Services”
To Your Success
The Team at Achieve

Is a Crane Chaser Job for You? Interview with a Newbie

Trading Textbooks for Tool Belts

Sarah had always been a hands-on person. Classrooms felt stifling, the itch to do something tangible always scratching at her mind. When a friend mentioned the booming construction industry and something called “crane chaser,” a spark flickered.

Now, fresh off her Dogging course certification and with her first few shifts on a bustling building site under her belt, Sarah’s enthusiasm is infectious. Her story sheds light on the path from student to crane chaser, a path less traveled but full of potential.

“Dogman” – More Than Meets the Eye

Let’s get the basics out of the way. A crane chaser, or dogman as they’re commonly known on Aussie worksites, is responsible for directing crane operations on the ground. You’ll see them rigging loads, slinging, and communicating with crane operators via hand signals or radio. Seems straightforward, right? Not quite.

Mythbusting: What’s NOT in the Job Ad

“It’s Just Muscle Work.” Sure, dogmen need to be physically fit, but Sarah emphasises, “There’s way more thinking involved than I expected. Spatial awareness, remembering all the sling types, quick calculations under pressure… it’s a workout for your mind too.”
“Once You’re Qualified, You’re Set.” “Learning never stops!” Sarah says. “Different sites have different gear, and there’s specialised rigging for fancy loads. The guys who’ve been doing this years have knowledge I want to soak up.”
“Lone Wolf Gig.” While technically you often work independently, Sarah stresses the teamwork aspect. “Trust is everything. You trust the crane operator, they trust you, and everyone trusts the quality of your rigging. Slip up, and it’s not just stuff that breaks, it’s lives on the line.”

The Transition: Classroom to Chaos

With construction jobs on the rise (the Australian Government’s Job Outlook projects strong growth for the sector), more people are eyeing dogman courses. But what’s it REALLY like?

The Nitty-Gritty: Sarah’s course was a mix of theory and practical. Safety, naturally, was hammered home, along with load weight calculations, sling and equipment standards, and of course, perfecting those hand signals.
Surprise Hurdle: “The radio!” Sarah laughs. “It sounds dumb, but learning the lingo and staying calm when things get hectic was harder than I thought.” Communication is a safety lifeline, not just idle chatter.
Reality Check: “Nothing prepares you for that first day on a real site,” Sarah admits. “The noise, the sheer scale… but that’s also the thrill! It pushes you to step up.”

A Day in the Life (Beyond the Clichés)

Forget the image of just yelling “Up!” and “Down!” Sarah paints a more nuanced picture:

Mornings Ain’t Lazy: Pre-start safety checks on all your gear, meetings with the crew to figure out the day’s lifts – organised chaos is the name of the game.
Problem-Solving On the Fly: “Blueprints are one thing, the real world’s another,” Sarah says. Obstacles, tight squeezes… figuring out a rigging solution that’s SAFE and efficient is strangely satisfying.”
Endurance Matters: “It’s long shifts, on your feet. Even when waits happen, focus is key. One slip when you’re tired can be disastrous.”

Challenges and Sweet Rewards

Let’s be honest, no job is all sunshine. Here’s what Sarah is upfront about:

Weather Warrior: “Rain, searing heat, wind… if it stops construction completely, it stops your pay. Loving the outdoors is non-negotiable.”
Thick Skin Helps: “Some old-school guys might test newbies. Prove you’re serious, willing to learn, and you’ll earn respect.”
The Payoff? “Seeing a massive section of a building slot into place because YOU made it happen…nothing beats that. Plus,” Sarah grins, “the pay’s not bad, especially with overtime!” (Construction laborers, of which dogmen are a part, enjoy good average wages according to the Australian Governments Labour market insights, crane chaser earnings can be anywhere between $1.7k and $2k per week)

Would She Do It All Again?

“In a heartbeat,” Sarah says without hesitation. “I finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. If you’re stuck in a rut, don’t be afraid to try something completely different.”

What Kind of Person Thrives As a Crane Chaser?

Sarah believes it’s about mindset more than anything else:

Take Responsibility Seriously: “People depend on you. Own that, and you’ll earn your place faster than you think.”
Be a Sponge: “Ask questions, watch the experienced guys, even the little tricks make a difference.”
Embrace the Grind: “It’s hard, but rewarding. If you want easy, this isn’t it. But if you want a career that MATTERS, this could be your thing.”

How to Get Your Foot in the Door

Ready to make the move? Here’s where to start:

Licensing: A Dogging licence (or the equivalent in your state/territory) is essential.
Courses: Choose a reputable, nationally recognised course provider for the best preparation.
Get Fit: Seriously! This job demands physical stamina.
Networking: Talk to people in construction. Often, it’s about who you know AND what you know. Construction unions can be good resources.

Sources for Info & Job Searching:

Australian Government Job Outlook (Dogman): https://joboutlook.gov.au/
Safe Work Australia: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
State-based Work Safety Regulators: Find information specific to your location.
Seek, Indeed, Construction-Specific Job Boards: These are good starting points for your search.

The Takeaway

Sarah’s story is proof that a career change is possible, even one as hands-on as being a dogman. Construction needs skilled people, and if you have the grit, determination, and a fascination for how things are built, perhaps the construction site is calling your name too.

“Achieve more, become more with Achieve Training Services”
To Your Success
The Team at Achieve

Crane Chaser for a Day: My Experience

The Call of the Construction Site

There’s something about a construction site that gets the blood pumping. The organised chaos, the smell of fresh sawdust, the steady rhythm of heavy machinery – it’s like a symphony of raw power and progress. For years, I’d pass these sites, the towering cranes like sentinels against the skyline, and a thought would flicker: “What would it be like to be part of that world?”

That question turned into an opportunity. Through a connection, I secured a day to shadow ‘Robbo’, a veteran construction dogman with over a decade under his tool belt.

What’s a Construction Dogman, Anyway?

Before diving in, let’s clarify. A construction dogman (or crane chaser) is the crucial link between the crane operator and the load. They’re responsible for everything ground-side: rigging loads safely, guiding them with clear signals, and ensuring nothing and no one gets hurt in the process.

It might sound simple, but don’t be fooled. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, it’s a role in high demand, especially with our current infrastructure boom. It demands physical fitness, mental sharpness, and a knack for precision under pressure.

Gearing Up: More Than Just a Hard Hat

Stepping onto site with Robbo felt like entering a different world. The safety induction was no joke – and rightfully so. Dogmen are exposed to numerous hazards, and the stats are sobering. Safe Work Australia reports that over 20% of workplace fatalities in the construction industry involve mobile plants like cranes.

Beyond the high-vis vest and hard hat, Robbo’s tool belt was a revelation: slings of various sizes, D-shackles, specialised hooks… it dawned on me that rigging is both an art and a science.

In the Thick of It: The Rhythm of the Site

The first task: slinging a massive prefabricated concrete slab. Robbo moved with the focused speed of someone with muscle memory. He inspected the slab, chose the right sling for the weight, and attached it with a series of deft maneuvers. To me, it looked like a puzzle. To him, it was second nature.

Once the slab was secure, the ballet between Robbo and the crane operator began. His hand signals were crisp, fluid – a silent language that controlled tons of material as it floated mid-air.

The sheer size of the loads was mind-boggling, and Robbo’s unwavering focus was impressive. I’ll admit to a few heart-stopping moments when a gust of wind would sway a massive steel beam, but Robbo stayed as cool as a cucumber.

Beyond Brute Force: The Hidden Skills

As the day progressed, I realised a dogman’s job is way more than slinging things and yelling directions. Here’s what most blogs don’t tell you:

Spatial Awareness: Picture a giant 3D Tetris game. That’s what dogmen wrangle with every lift. They must visualise where a load needs to go and the obstacles in its path.
Load Calculations: They’re not just strong; they’re walking calculators. Dogmen need a basic understanding of load weights and distribution to choose the right rigging gear and avoid disastrous overloads.
Communication is King: Miscommunication with a crane operator can be catastrophic. A dogman needs clear signals, radio etiquette, and the ability to stay calm, even when things get hectic

Challenges & Respect

Construction is not for the faint of heart. Here are some realities I witnessed:

Physical Demands: It’s a long day on your feet, with constant bending, lifting, and maneuvering. The weather doesn’t care about your comfort.
Mental Strain: Mistakes can have huge consequences. That kind of responsibility takes a toll.
Unpredictability: Construction rarely follows a neat schedule. Dogmen need flexibility and adaptability.

Despite the challenges, the respect dogmen command on site is evident. They’re essential cogs in the machine, and their skillset ensures everything moves smoothly and safely.

Eyes Opened: Lessons Learned

My day as a “shadow dogman” humbled me. This is a career path with surprising depth, and here’s what stuck with me:

Safety is Paramount: Cutting corners can cost lives. Seeing the safety protocols rigorously enacted hammered this home.
It’s a Team Sport: A construction site is the ultimate collaboration. Reliance on others breeds a strong sense of camaraderie.
Hidden Skillsets: Respect the brains behind the brawn. Dogmen are problem-solvers, not just laborers.

Would I Do It Again?

In a heartbeat! The satisfaction of seeing a structure rise, knowing you helped make it happen, is its own reward. But it’s not for everyone. Ask yourself:

Am I comfortable with heights and heavy machinery?
Can I handle physical work and unpredictable conditions?
Do I thrive under pressure and take responsibility seriously?

Path to Becoming a Dogman

If this has sparked your interest, let’s talk nuts and bolts:

Licensing: You’ll need a Dogging licence (or equivalent) in your state/territory. Prerequisites vary slightly by region.
Courses: Look for nationally recognised training courses. These typically involve both theory and hands-on practice.
Experience Counts: Many employers want some on-the-job experience, even basic laboring. This proves your commitment.

Sources for Further Info:

Job Outlook (Dogging): https://joboutlook.gov.au/
Safe Work Australia: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
State-specific work safety authorities (Check your region’s regulations)
Construction Unions: Often provide resources, even apprenticeships.

Final Thoughts

My day as a crane chaser was more than eye-opening – it was inspirational. If you have the grit, the smarts, and a hankering for building things, this could be your path. Construction needs skilled people, and the rewards, both tangible and intangible, are very real.

“Achieve more, become more with Achieve Training Services”
To Your Success
The Team at Achieve