Bristol Community College

Crane/Hoist/Forklift Training Program 

FREE Next Session begins September 2026  

• Requires a 5 day/5 week commitment to be eligible 
• In-Person: Monday – Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM 
• All training activity will take place at Bristol’s National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) in New Bedford – a state-of-the-art health and safety training facility. 

Program Description: 

Bristol’s free, 5-week Crane/Hoist/Forklift Training will offer hands-on training with equipment, tools, and materials to provide individuals with a real experience of working as a heavy machine operator. 

The training includes the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications that can lead individuals to be job ready in the clean energy sector.  

Bristol will partner with Cranes 101, an industry-certified training organization, to provide training, testing, and license preparation to prepare for the Massachusetts 1B License.  

Curriculum modules could include but not limited to: 

• Signal Person Classroom Training 
• Rigger Classroom Training  
• Mobile Crane Training  
• Spyder Crane Classroom Training 
• Forklift Safety 
• Hands-On Training and Operator Evaluation 
• Overhead Crane Safety 
• 1B Hoisting License Prep  
• Mobile and Spyder Crane Operator Field Safety Hands On Training 

Industry Certifications & Next Steps: 

Cranes 101 will commit to 5 weeks of in-person training to prepare students to take the NCCER National Crane Operator License Exam, 1B Hoisting License Prep Course, and the National Crane Operator Practical Exam on the crane. 

Trainees leave the program with industry recognized certifications and valuable hands-on skills for entry level positions in this trades sector. 

Program Highlights: 

• Loaner Laptop provided by Bristol 
• PPE & Safety Boots 
• Materials and Supplies 
• On-the-Job Training & Job Placement 
• Wrap-Around Student Support Services 

 Program Prerequisites: 

• 18 Years of age or older  
• A resident of Massachusetts 
• Hold a United States issued high school diploma or high school equivalency (GED or HiSET) 
• Hold a MA issued valid driver's license or MA issued Photo ID 
• Authorized to work in the US 
• Have reliable transportation 
• Complete and pass a CORI/SORI background check 
• Pass a Math Assessment 
• Pass a Drug Test 
• Pass a Physical Exam 
• Physical Fitness: Operators must have good depth perception, coordination, and physical agility to maneuver heavy machinery safely. 
• Fully committed to completing all classes 
• Be ready to work directly after program completion 
• Be ready to report job placement, retention, and starting salary 

Program Career Pathways: 

A career path in crane, hoist, and forklift operation transitions from entry-level warehousing and construction to specialized, heavy lifting. Professionals start as forklift drivers, earn their hoisting/crane licenses, and advance into roles like tower crane operators, riggers, or site safety managers. 

• Forklift Operator  
• Hoist & Winch Operator 
• Mobile / Tower Crane Operator 
• Career Opportunities with License & Experience: 
• Crane Inspector 
• Riggers and Signalpersons 
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic 
• Site Supervisor 
• Safety Director 

CLICK HERE AND COMPLETE THE PROGRAM INTEREST FORM TODAY! 

Spots are limited — first come, first served! 

This grant funded Crane/Hoist/Forklift Training program is designed and delivered to meet industry demand in the growing need for a clean energy workforce. This program is developed through a partnership between Bristol Community College, Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School, area Welding companies and funded by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).