B.C. crane operators to require skilled trades certification by 2027

Crane operators in B.C. to face new certification rules aimed at improving safety.

Operating one of the biggest machines on a construction site will soon come with a new requirement in B.C.

The province announced Monday that tower and mobile crane operators will have one year to register as apprentices or earn skilled trades certification before mandatory certification takes effect on July 5, 2027.

The change, announced at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 training centre in Maple Ridge, follows years of work from industry and labour groups calling for stronger training standards as construction activity continues to grow across B.C.

“Today is a very important day for crane operators, the skilled trades, and for B.C.’s future,” Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Minister Jessie Sunner said.

Sunner said crane operators perform “some of the most highly skilled and technical work on construction sites across B.C.,”

helping build everything from homes and hospitals to major infrastructure projects.

Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside said the certification requirement is one part of broader efforts to improve crane safety, including planned licensing and permitting changes.

“We have had historically, in this province, a social contract,” Whiteside said. “You go to work every day, and you build our province … and in return, we keep you safe at work. That’s the deal.”

For crane operators, Monday’s announcement marked the end of a years-long push to have the trade formally recognized.

“This announcement today feels like the culmination of nearly 20 years of advocacy by our organization,” said Bryan Railton, business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115.

Railton said the change will help raise standards across the industry.

“We will all know with certainty that all crane operators working in this province have received the highest level of technical and safety training,” he said.

The change will give current crane operators time to complete the certification process while remaining on the job. Support will also be available to help eligible workers with training costs and navigate the new requirements as they move toward certification.