HRTA takes mobile high risk training directly to crane workplaces
30 Second Takeaway
High Risk Training Academy (HRTA) brings high risk training to customers’ workplaces, using mobile trailers, on-site equipment and familiar work procedures. Its courses include dogging, crane licensing, working at heights and confined space training. HRTA says on-site delivery can reduce disruption, travel and accommodation costs while allowing more time for practical training. General Manager Victor Cavallaro also represents the organisation on industry committees working on crane training and licensing.
Mobile courses delivered at the worksite
HRTA is a Western Australian Registered Training Organisation that takes training equipment to customer workplaces. General Manager Victor Cavallaro says delivering courses on site makes training less disruptive and lets employees learn using equipment and procedures they already know.
“We take what we need to their place of work and we utilise their equipment, which the staff know and understand,” Cavallaro said. He added that being in a familiar workplace can help staff feel more comfortable and support learning.
For theory sessions, HRTA typically uses a site training or lunch room. The mobile team then moves outside for practical assessment, using the customer’s equipment where suitable or arranging a crane when required.
Mobile trailers support practical training
HRTA’s first mobile trailer carries equipment for Dogging Certificate assessment tasks. A second trailer supports its Working at Heights and Confined Space courses.
The mobile setup allows HRTA to bring practical equipment to the customer’s site. For crane courses, the company may use cranes already operated by the customer. Where a suitable crane is not available, Cavallaro said HRTA can hire one through its network.
Cavallaro said the approach can reduce costs because workers remain at the workplace rather than travelling to a training venue or staying overnight. HRTA also aims to keep theory sessions focused, leaving more time for practical work with the customer’s equipment and materials.
Training can incorporate workplace documents such as the company’s Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), which employees already use. Cavallaro said this helps keep the course connected to the work teams return to after training.
HRTA contributes to crane licensing discussions
Cavallaro represents HRTA on the Crane Industry Council of Australia’s Western Australian Steering Committee and on the technical committee for the TLI Cranes Licensing training course.
He said the committee is contributing to a crane licensing training update project with WorkSafe. The review is examining the training pathway and how to address operator shortages. Cavallaro said the aim is to have a new approach in place by December 2027, with further advice for crane companies once the implications are clear.
He also described how crane operators have traditionally progressed through dogging and rigging qualifications before gaining experience in an operator’s seat. The industry, he said, needs to consider how training and progression can respond to the shortage of operators while maintaining the skills required for the work.
ISO certifications and industry workforce needs
HRTA holds certifications to three ISO standards:
ISO 9001 for quality management systems
ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management systems
ISO 14001 for environmental management systems
Cavallaro said the certifications demonstrate HRTA’s commitment to safety and compliance as a training provider.
He said Perth faces particular workforce competition from the mining sector, which can attract workers away from the city’s crane industry. He pointed to CICA initiatives such as Crane Quest and crane simulators as ways to introduce students to the sector.
Cavallaro said the industry needs to work together to identify skills gaps and build training pathways. “The crane industry is very relationship driven,” he said. “I believe we need to be smarter as an industry and the more training we are able to offer, the more the industry will benefit.”
About High Risk Training Academy
High Risk Training Academy (HRTA) is a Western Australian Registered Training Organisation, RTO 46215, delivering nationally recognised high risk training to businesses and individuals. Its course offerings include crane licensing and other high risk work training, with mobile delivery that brings trainers and assessment equipment to customer workplaces. HRTA also holds ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
View website: https://highrisktrainingacademy.com.au/
Frequently asked questions
What is HRTA’s mobile training model?
HRTA takes trainers and course equipment to the customer’s workplace. Theory sessions are generally held in a training or lunch room, with practical training and assessment carried out on site using available equipment.
What training does HRTA deliver through its mobile trailers?
One trailer carries equipment for Dogging Certificate assessment tasks. A second supports Working at Heights and Confined Space courses.
How does workplace training benefit crane companies?
According to HRTA, on-site training can reduce disruption, travel and accommodation costs. It also allows practical sessions to use equipment, materials and work procedures familiar to employees.
What ISO standards is HRTA certified to?
HRTA is certified to ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management, and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
