Firm trains 15 on crane operations

Equipment training centre, Equilog, has trained 15 professionals on cranes operation, as part of steps to boost knowledge on safety.

The crane operation training course was designed to help candidates achieve the necessary steps to safely operate mobile, crawler, or rough terrain crane.

Speaking at graduation ceremony where certificates were awarded to trainees, who have just completed their professional Crane Operations & Safety Training Programme, the Managing Partner of Equilog, Aaron Iyama, said the awardees were not only trained but were also equipped.

He said since the group started the training in April 2017, they have also trained 10 operators at a mining company in Kogi State.

He added: “We also have three of our trainees working with us. The graduating students are the 5th batch.

We don’t only train and teach them the operation; we equip them with productive skills that make them solution providers.”

Iyama said Equilog was established to find solution to the unemployment situation in Nigeria, adding that the awardees have vast knowledge to provide solutions in technical services.

He further disclosed that the skill acquisition programme was meant for crane operators and non-crane operators alike.

“The two categories operators who were not properly trained on safety culture and those who have no proper certification will be technical trained with practical on-the- job activities and gaining of skill and experience in enhancing value at work place.

“Equilog is in partnership with HARDHAT training USA, and Canada, and presents professional crane training programme, Occupation Safety & health Administration (OSHA), accredited certification.

“The programme takes two to three months of intensive training, where we put them through the dynamics of
operating crane. They learn about the stability of the crane, potential hazards in lifting operations and safety, they also learn about factors that affect lift operations.”

Also speaking, Cyril Ossai, who is also a partner with Equilog, said the training is basically a bridge between oil and gas, noting that research has proven that it is now easier to enter into the construction and oil and gas industry via skill proficiency than certificate.

He said the training provides comprehensive private onsite crane training to customers, work to develop customized training on the equipment and deliver it onsite where operators can practice with the equipment they will use each day.

“We train the students with knowledge and skills to effectively and safely operate a mobile crane. We give the students the knowledge and skills to successfully pass the motorized and crawler crane, written and practical exams administered by Occupation safety & health Administration (OSHA). Participants learn local requirement for crane operation and topics.

“We train them on the functions of all major crane components and assemblies with minimum qualifications and requirements for a crane operator.

“Daily crane inspection procedure required by local governing bodies, four rules of safe and proficient crane operation, precise spotting of loads and making precision lifts, proper techniques to minimize load swing, recommended hand signals, and basic rigging procedures to attach the load to the hook.”

One of the graduates, a 58-year old retired Nigeria Customs officer, Mr. Adetumi Haastrup, said he just thought of acquiring another skill in the transportation industry since he is still young, adding that it was a good experience both in the theory and practical aspects of the training.

Haastrup, who holds a Masters degree in transport planning, said this encouraged him to go and acquire skill in Crane Operation after his retirement from Nigeria Customs Service.

“I have another chance to serve the society once again in another area. I have served the country for 35 years in the public sector, and now I would be serving the private sector in skills of crane operation. With all the certifications in training and competence, the sky is the limit at any age.”