Potain supports France’s first tower crane erector diploma program

• Potain’s new initiative at the Potain Academy combines theoretical courses and hands-on training for tower crane erection.

Potain completed the inaugural tower crane erector diploma training program at the Potain Academy in France. This project, initiated under the impetus of the Tower Crane Commission (CPMDG) of the DLR (federation comprising companies in the distribution, rental, maintenance, and service sectors for construction and handling equipment), began in April 2023 with the launch of the first class of students in partnership with Adecco, a temporary employment agency. The first training session has recently concluded, and a second has been ongoing at the Potain Academy since the beginning of the year. The program will result in a state-recognized diploma and official professional certification for tower crane erectors upon successful completion of both training sessions.

Sessions are structured as a ten-week course spread over 12 months, consisting of eight technicians and combining theoretical courses with practical exercises that cover various aspects of tower crane installation. Apart from these ten weeks of training, participants engage in progressively challenging assembly activities within their respective companies as part of their work-study contracts. “This initiative is essential for the profession and advances the professional standards of tower crane erectors. It enables certification for newcomers and offers experienced technicians access to the diploma through a Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) course,” said Cédric Fourier, head of the Potain Training Center.

Recognition of this profession will make it more visible and help attract new people to join. Eventually, the training course will be listed on the Parcoursup platform, a French website where high school students can apply to different schools. This inclusion will guide aspiring candidates along their career path during their secondary studies. “It’s key to note that the first 16 graduates hail from companies such as AT-Optima, Duponchel, Potain (Manitowoc), Saint Yves Services, Uperio, and Valente. Their participation in these inaugural certification sessions is essential in making the certification a reality,” Fourier added.

Once the diploma is recognized, funding and assistance will be provided to alleviate training costs, allowing companies in this sector to hire new employees with ease. This will further ensure their integration into a qualifying and rewarding framework. “Potain and its training center take pride in their significant role in establishing France’s first diploma training for Tower Crane Erectors. This credential will strengthen the profession’s reputation, highlighting its true value. I am confident this initiative will resonate positively in other countries as well,” Fourier concluded.

The Potain Academy in Lyon (Saint Pierre de Chandieu) combines training and technical expertise to support the global distribution network for Potain tower cranes.