Operator Training - Making a Difference

With the many technical advancements being incorporated in cranes, manufacturers and crane owners in conjunction with certifying agencies are adopting new training standards to bring greater efficiencies in the performance of their cranes. NBM Media takes a look.
Advanced training programs that include crane operation and maintenance are fast becoming a key sales differentiator amongst manufacturers as they bring new technologies in their equipment. Given the high initial costs incurred in procuring the more advanced, new-generation cranes, training operators in their use has attained critical importance in order to derive optimum performance and ensure safety of the machines.
Liebherr, which has recently made critical advancements in its medium and heavy crawler and mobile cranes, is enhancing its training standards for the operators. Says Subhajit Chandra, Divisional Head, Liebherr Cranes India, "All our crawler, rough terrain and All Terrain cranes are now based on the advanced European EN 13000 standards, in accordance with which, we are making operators fully acquainted with the new standards and the cranes' new functionalities. We give a refresher training program of 5-7 days once a crane has been commissioned at the site. Operators are also trained to undertake troubleshooting."

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The objective of this Skill Certification Scheme is to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. Individuals with prior learning experience or skills are assessed and certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC), promoted by the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (iCEMA), supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is spearheading the skilling of workforce in the Infrastructure Equipment Sector with primary focus on training and certification of operators and mechanics.
SANY Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd., on account of high impulse towards organising trainings for the operators has become the ideal partner for this initiative on behalf of IESC and made strategic investment in State-of-the-art training facility for such training events,.

"The program is both classroom-based with simulation and at site where complete hands-on training is provided. With cranes becoming more complex and high-tech, and with diverse onsite conditions and requirements, we have customized the training program to cover parameters like crane operation, Safety and machine Maintenance," informs Garg.
With experienced trainers and well prepared training content, these trainings are proving very beneficial for all operators. So far SANY has trained and certified over 150 operators in a span of one year.
TIL undertakes several crane training initiatives to optimize performance of its operators and thereby of its machines.






He added, "Our main aim to improve the technical knowledge of customer and his team about crane operation, safety and maintenance. The customer who receives the necessary technical training about crane, can perform their job easily and efficiently. A training program improve strengthen those skills that each customer needs to improve. A training program brings all employees to a higher level so they all have similar skills and knowledge. Training is provided by us as per candidates qualification and designation (Operator or Technician).

On Kobelco's Training program Formats, he says, "Previously our Training program were conducted as per Kobelco schedule. Date, Place and Types of Training were fix as per training calendar but now we are conducting "Tailor made" training programs. Training will be conducting as per customer convenient time and place. We can arrange training program at customer site, their office or our Sricity factory as per their convenience. We are able to provide Training in Indian regional languages also. We provide two types of training: Basic Training Program for Operator & Trainee Engineer and Advance Training Program for Senior Engineer and Manager."

Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC)s 'Not for Profit' sustainable organization, promoted by Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (iCEMA) and funded by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has developed Qualification Packs (QP's) and National Occupational Standards (NOS) with the involvement of Equipment Manufacturers, Customers & User Industry through their consultant LabourtNet Deloitte and approved by NSDC and National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) Govt of India, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship covering 39 job roles for the equipments including Hydra, Truck Mounted & Crawler Cranes.

IESC has over 55 affiliated training partners and IESC certified Trainers to conduct the training. The module for the training of Operators is 70% hands on and 30 % class room session. Manufactures like SANY, TIL, ESCORTS, ACE and Kobelco are partnering with IESC. Crane Owners Association of India (COAOI) have signed MOU with IESC to upskill their existing operators. These programs have been well received. All the successful candidates are awarded with Govt of India Certificate.

No doubt, IESC and crane manufacturers are imparting the much-needed training in a concerted manner; however, training will have to be an ongoing exercise as cranes will continue to be upgraded with further technological advancements.