Why Mobile Crane Education is the Smart Choice for High School Grads

There used to be a time when many followed the expected path after high school, which was attending college to earn a degree, then entering the workforce. But in recent years, we’ve seen a change in the norm. 

In 2023 for instance, the college enrollment rate for recent high school graduates fell to 61.4%, which was down five points from pre-pandemic rates in 2019. Conversely, the rate of recent high school graduates actively joining the labor force rose to over 71% in 2023, showcasing the uncertainty of the value of a college degree. 

Instead many graduates are looking for alternatives, and it’s clear that one option rises above the rest: mobile crane education.

With the growing demand for skilled workers in construction and other vital industries, mobile crane education offers many valuable opportunities to high school graduates. Let’s take a closer look at why pursuing mobile crane education is a smart career choice for high school grads. 

Looking for more information about how PTS can help you level up your job prospects? Download our free ebook, Elevate Your Career With Mobile Crane Training.

The Advantages of a Quality Mobile Crane Education

There’s an increasing need for mobile crane operators in construction, infrastructure projects, and other in-demand industries, like renewable energy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for crane operators are expected to grow by 5% until 2033, which is an estimated 51,000 job openings per year. 

Mobile crane operators are essential to the success of various large-scale projects, like bridge or highway construction, and so this is one career choice that will never go out of style, making it the perfect choice for a recent graduate. 

In addition to job security, you can also expect to earn a competitive salary as a mobile crane operator, even when just starting out in an entry-level position. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, mobile crane operators make an average of $80,674 per year, making it one of the higher-earning construction jobs. In fact, it is well above the national average salary of $66,621. 

Even better — there are plenty of career growth opportunities for crane operators and you could find yourself moving up to a management or supervisory position, meaning that your earning potential can be even higher. 

Mobile crane education involves a short training period that can yield high returns. For instance, at PTS our training programs are three weeks long. Jam-packed with valuable information in a short amount of time, you’ll be able to quickly join the workforce to start earning earlier. Compared to a traditional four-year college program, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in record time. 

It’s clear that mobile crane education is the way to go. Now how do you get there? It’s simple — let PTS lead the way.

Choose Top-Tier Crane Training from PTS

PTS is one of the premier mobile crane operator training schools in the country. With our three week crane training course, you’ll learn how to operate both the Mobile Hydraulic Telescopic Boom Swing-Cab and Telescopic Boom Fixed-Cab cranes. We’ll also teach you about crane safety, preventative maintenance, wire rope and basic rigging practices. 

We understand the importance of hands-on, practical experience. That’s why half of our course takes place in the classroom with our skilled instructors, and the other half takes place on our training grounds, giving you the in-the-seat experience you need to feel confident on a real job site. 

Don’t worry if you didn’t succeed academically in high school. You’ll only need basic 9th grade level comprehension and math skills for our program, and we’ve designed our course to help you get the in-demand certifications you need, like the NCCCO crane operator certification. No matter what you may need, PTS is here to help you succeed. 

If high school graduation is on the horizon and you’re uncertain about what your future may look like, speak with the team at PTS to get some answers. We’re ready to help you find your next step. Schedule a tour of our facility today and earn a $500 tuition reduction scholarship.