Typical job roles

This occupation is found in a wide range of industries, wherever organisations have lifting equipment. For example this could be in marine, construction, manufacturing, distribution, medical, agriculture, mining and quarrying, aeronautical, renewable, entertainment and military environments. This is a globally recognised occupation, in demand wherever lifting equipment is used.

Examples of equipment include, but are not limited to, hoists used for the lifting of lighting rigs at festivals to chain slings on construction sites. Equipment can be in almost any type of industry, including onshore or offshore, in car plants, aircraft manufacturing organisations, ship building, yacht building, food processing, warehousing and general engineering facilities.

Lifting Equipment Technicians are self-motivated problem solvers who work with organisations to resolve issues and come up with solutions to their everyday needs. They ensure the safety and suitability of the equipment used for lifting goods or people in order to meet regulatory requirements. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with site managers, production managers, health & safety managers, workshop supervisors, design engineers, equipment and component suppliers and government agencies, such as the HSE.

They may work independently or within a team and typically report to a senior line manager who can offer support, knowledge, and best practice guidance. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting the organisations in which they are employed or providing a service to. They typically have responsibility for a range of lifting equipment to ensure it has been properly verified as safe for use. The Lifting Equipment Technician can interpret and comply with contract information, such as service contracts, and work with the lifting organisations who hold or own lifting equipment. They are also responsible for ensuring Health & Safety, Regulatory and Quality requirements are met, and for taking an active role in general workshop quality control.

They are responsible for ensuring the maintenance of their own tools and equipment and the tidiness of their working area.

More Information


Typical Tasks

They will often be required to work on site and at clients premises and will need to be able to travel to them, so will typically need a driving licence. The broad purpose of the occupation is to repair, maintain, modify, inspect, test, install and assemble lifting equipment to ensure its suitability and safety for a continued period of service. They provide documentation and technical advice to customers and check that equipment is being maintained in accordance with statutory requirements. Additionally, the role may include the removal of equipment from service or decommissioning where it is considered to be unsafe and does not meet regulatory standards.


Entry criteria

Although there are no statutory or regulatory entry requirements, this occupation does require employees to have a firm understanding of mathematical principles, therefore typically employers will require applicants to hold a level 2 qualification in mathematics.


Typical duration

24 months (this does not include EPA period)


Career/progression opportunities

They are typically employed in organisations who provide a bespoke service or in-house by the users of the equipment. This can include lifting equipment manufacturers, end users, owners, distributors, hirers and inspectors.