Your checklist before applying for your next heavy lift job

With all the latest technological advancements sweeping across the heavy lifting industry, it’s no surprise that this is a growing job market. In 2020, rapid developments in renewable energy alone created more than 12 million jobs across the globe. Even Covid-19 delays couldn’t stop this sector from gaining traction!

But while renewable energy jobs are certainly on the increase, this is not the only niche contributing to the vast expansion of the heavy lift sector. General opportunities for construction workers and civil engineers are also at an all-time high. According to the UK’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) outlook, the construction industry will need to recruit a minimum of 217,000 workers before 2025 to reach industry goals.

So, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in heavy lifting, here is a checklist to tick off before applying for your next role.

Work through our checklist of heavy lift skills below to see if you have what it takes.

Building and engineering knowledge

Heavy lift jobs don’t only rely on physical competence. Familiarity with materials, tools, equipment, and relevant terminology is essential. These are examples of knowledgeable skills you should have to meet the requirements of construction, engineering, and renewable energy jobs:

• Masonry and ironwork
• Surveying
• Plumbing, roofing, and general renovations
• Demolition
• Building and repair of structures, highways, and bridges
• Familiarity with power tools

As a heavy lifter, you’ll also be expected to operate according to building and safety codes as well as labour agreements and environmental regulations.

Most entry-level heavy lift jobs include training, and you don’t need to be proficient in the above skills to qualify for a rookie position. However, previous knowledge and training won’t hurt and will help you to find that perfect heavy lift job faster.

Experience with technology

Technology has always been significant to the heavy lift sector and if you want your skills to remain competitive within this industry, then your technical knowledge will be a plus. Whether you want to be a crane operator or work for an up-and-coming renewable energy company, most recruiters will expect you to adapt to new advancements in technology, including:

• Augmented and virtual reality
• BIM (building information modelling)
• Drones
• Mobile apps

Most employers train their staff on the latest technology advancements relative to their field. However, you can remain a step ahead of your co-workers by following the news for recent technical improvements (and then brush up on your skills accordingly).

Teamwork and organisational skills

Heavy lift jobs in the renewable energy, engineering, and construction field require a team effort and you’ll need to prove that you’re a team player. There’s no time to waste when on-site and the better your communication skills are, the better you can make sure a project gets completed on schedule.

Project organisation and management is necessary to get the job done and avoid any unnecessary or time-consuming tasks. If you can prove that you can streamline projects and save your employer time and money, then your value to them will be considerably higher.

Physical strength and endurance

Heavy lift work can be physically demanding, and strength and stamina are essential for carrying out many of the tasks. Most heavy lift recruitment teams will expect you to be in proper posture and form so that you can carry out projects safely. Along with physical strength, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and excellent eyesight are needed.

Keeping your body and mind in optimal health will help to secure your position as a heavy lift employee.

Are you searching for your next heavy lift job?

As the global renewable energy and heavy lift market continues to expand, and both offshore and onshore contracts become more appealing in compensation, we expect to see even more opportunities in this sector. If you’re interested in starting or progressing in a career in this field, then our heavy lift recruitment agency is ready to be of service! Browse our heavy lift jobs and contact our team today!