Our Crane Academy & FAQ - Bigfoot Crane Company

Our Crane Academy & FAQ

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Why get your crane operator certification training from Bigfoot?

Our programs have been meticulously designed by industry leaders, making Bigfoot Crane Academy one of the best crane operator schools in the entire country.

In operation since 2008, we are the oldest private crane training provider in BC.

Rigging training also available.

Our crane training program is supported by Fulford, and BC Crane Safety.

Schedule a Class

There’s no better time to get your crane operator certification

Not only do crane operators hold a distinctly coveted position, they are among the highest paid equipment operators in construction. At Bigfoot Crane Academy, we proudly maintain the highest operational and training standards in the industry.

From the moment you step into our academy, we focus on providing you with a detailed training program that enhances your understanding of crane & rigging safety, crane operations, and the industry itself. With our state-of-the-art facility and equipment, you will learn how to operate a number of different cranes.

We’ll also teach you about:

  • Safety Fundamentals and Regulations
  • Communications and Hand Signals
  • Rigging Knowledge
  • Rigging Capacity Chart Interpretation
  • Crane Load Chart Interpretation
  • Pre-Operational Inspections
  • Crane Set-up and Hazard Assessments
  • Crane Operation Knowledge including Service and Maintenance

Call the Academy – 1-877-740-6590

Testimonials

I want to take this opportunity to thank the team at Bigfoot Crane academy. The program that has been put together at Bigfoot is exceptional…The classroom material was easy to understand and well organized. The academy at Bigfoot cranes was beyond my expectations and has given me the opportunity, with confidence to operate a folding boom crane.

Thank you to Bigfoot Crane Academy for the fabulous crane operator training. All my guys came up to me to tell me how awesome the instructor was. Thank you again for your excellent services & flexibility. I really appreciate it and the boys do too. We look forward to working with you again in the future.

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for an excellent job accomplished by your trainer regarding training our group of potential Boom Truck Operators. His delivery of the practical training and theory was very personable, practical and relevant. He represents your company very well.  Thanks again.

The exam for the crane operator certification can be difficult and stressful. The key to success at a minimum is the two day crane operator training program offered by the Bigfoot Crane Academy and practice on the specific crane that will be used for the assessment. As a direct result, we were able to provide our employees with the written and practical information needed for certification testing. Thank you Team Bigfoot for getting us the most timely training and your trainer for his standard of training. His approach to teaching was very well received by the workers and was instrumental to their success.

North Island Communications hired Bigfoot Crane Academy to come meet us at our company in Campbell River to conduct training with four of our employees. With the new licensing required, we had to invest a lot of money in re-training and certifying our crane operators for our HIAB 160-4 Folding Boom crane. It was a pleasure to work with a real crane guys . Your trainers are people we have a lot of respect for because they weren’t just reading from a manual, they have experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting cranes. Your trainers did a great job! Two of our guys were experienced and two weren’t but your team worked closely with everyone to get them well prepared for the written and practical exams. We are pleased to have this done and behind us, thank you very much for your help and great work!

The self erect tower crane training I received through the Crane Academy was very comprehensive and tailored to what I needed to learn for the practical and written exams. The instructor, was great at figuring out my strong points – knowledge I already had, and weak points – what information I needed to focus on. Overall, the crane operator training was a very pleasant experience and undoubtedly helped me be successful. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the guidance from the Bigfoot Crane Academy.

The Crane Operator Training was excellent. I had four employees taking the course; Your trainers prepped all of us with practice tests and information before our class started and was committed to helping everyone have the best possible chance of passing the assessment.

Crane Trainers

Ralf Notheis

Manager – Bigfoot Crane Academy

mobile crane trainingWith over 2 decades of experience and expertise in the heavy equipment industry Ralf has a solid reputation and impeccable safety record.

Ralf successfully navigated himself with focus, skill and intent through the ranks of some of Canada’s largest crane rental companies.  From Apprentice to Journeyman, Supervisor to Operations Manager and now he is right at home in his role as Manager and Head Instructor of the Bigfoot Crane Academy.

This ascent through each position gives Ralf an unparalleled advantage over the competition.  His years of practical experience in combination with his qualifications and dedication to cranes and crane safety is unmatched in the industry. Sharing his knowledge, experience and passion with future Crane Operator’s continues to be extremely rewarding for Ralf, whether the class is in our Crane Academy classroom or Ralf travels to your site – he loves to talk Crane!

If you are looking for superior, first class training call Ralf at 1 877-740-6590.

  • Red Seal Certified Mobile Crane Operator
  • Level A Lattice Friction Unlimited Crane Operator
  • Level A Self-Erect Tower Crane Operator
  • Master Rigger Certification (ITI)
  • Fulford Certification Level 1 Rigger Certifier
  • Supervisor Safety Management Diploma
  • Certificate of Recognition for Safety (BCCSA)
  • North America Top Trainer 2016 (Crane Hotline Magazine)
  • Certified Construction Hoist Operator (Technical Safety BC)
  • WHIMS
Trenton - Staff Photo Small

Trenton Grover

Keith - Staff Photo Small

Keith Anglin

Crane Trainer James Fujita

James Fujita

Crane Trainer Kerry Cameron

Kerry Cameron

Trevor Anweiler

Frequently asked questions about crane training

Absolutely anyone who is interested in learning to operate a crane! We have had a wide range of students successfully complete our program; from those who have been in construction and trades to those who have never touched heavy machinery in their lives. People with backgrounds in office work, medical professions, food service and construction have all made the choice to boost their career and open themselves up to new opportunities working with cranes.

Our crane training programs vary in cost due to length and requirements. Call our head trainer, Ralf Notheis, to discuss your career goals and he can suggest the appropriate program with pricing. Ralf loves talking cranes, and to those interested in getting involved with cranes – give him a call today!  You can reach Bigfoot Academy at (877) 740-6590. See Course Outlines.

Many of our courses are scheduled monthly but we can also run certain courses on-demand to fit your schedule. If you’re interested in a course, give us a call (877) 740-6590. See Course Outlines.

After completing the classroom and field practical work, your certification assessment will be scheduled for the last day of the course. When you pass your assessment you will be certified and ready to start your new career as a crane operator! To learn more about the certification, please visit: Fulford

Corporate training is one of our specialties. We are privileged to have on-going relationships with many corporations, utilities and government bodies who utilize our training services regularly. We can provide onsite crane and rigging training anywhere in North America with a convenient flat rate per day (travel charges will apply outside of the Lower Mainland area). To learn more about our Corporate training opportunities, please call Bigfoot Academy at (877) 740-6590. See Course Outlines.

At Bigfoot Crane Academy, we maintain a smaller class size, from 1-8 people, which allows us to focus on providing individual assistance throughout the course.

Crane Operators are in demand; While we can’t guarantee job placement, we do regularly receive calls from companies recruiting for new crane operators. We have successfully connected many students with great employers. Investing in your career and continuing education is always a safe bet. Why wait for a modest annual raise when you can take charge of your career and your earning potential? Call Bigfoot Academy today, (877) 740-6590.

To be prepared for class, please bring a calculator, hard hat, safety vest and steel toe boots (should be CSA approved footwear) – and most importantly bring a great attitude ready to learn. Bigfoot Crane Academy will provide everything else. We look forward to seeing you in class!

The Crane Certification Assessment is provided by Fulford Certification, a third party which will administer the final assessment containing both theory and practical components. For more information about Fulford Certification, please visit: Fulford.

Yes. You can register on-line at www.bcacs.ca

Our Crane Academy has a high success rate but if you are unsuccessful on either the theory or practical components in your final assessment, a re-assessment will be scheduled. You will only be required to re-assess for the portion in which you were unsuccessful. There are time limits and fees associated with the reassessment process.

We provide a 30 minute lunch break and two short breaks mid-morning and afternoon.

We love the enthusiasm! But no, there is no prep required prior to taking the course. We prefer that our instructors deliver all the fundamental material so our students receive the most accurate information, in addition to the appropriate application of that information in the field.

Our Courses can be prepaid by Visa, Mastercard, Certified Cheque or Bankdraft. (A credit card convenience fee may apply)