8221 Crane drivers
Unit group 8221 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.
In short
- ONS unit group 8221, in minor group 822 (Mobile machine drivers and operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
- Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
- Going rate as the tables print it:
What the ONS says
Description
Crane drivers supervise and undertake the operation of cranes, jib cranes, power driven hoisting machinery and power driven stationary engines to raise and lower mine and other cages, and to lift and move equipment, materials, machinery and containers.
Typical entry routes
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. Entry is typically through an apprenticeship programme or college course in conjunction with on-the-job training, leading to a NVQ/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or through building up work experience operating other heavy machinery supplemented with short courses. Operators are required to hold a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card owned and administered by the National Open College Network (NOCN) group, demonstrating basic skills and safety awareness.
Tasks
- gives signals for movement of cage carrying workers/equipment
- starts crane or engine motor and checks that cables run freely and that brakes and drum(s) are working
- manipulates levers, switches and pedals to rotate jibs into position and turns winding drum to raise or lower hook, bucket or other holding equipment
- lifts load or cage, or hauls object into required position and lowers or positions for ground workers to detach, unload or load
- watches control panel for warning lights and indications of wind speed and direction and carrying capacity of crane
- oils and greases machine and checks ropes
Related job titles
- Crane driver
- Crane operator
- Haulage engine driver
- Grab driver
- Winchman
What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says
The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.
Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes
- SOC 2020 occupation code
- 8221 Crane drivers
- Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
- Crane driver
- Crane operator
- Haulage engine driver
- Grab driver
- Winchman
Other unit groups in minor group 822
Sources
Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.
SponsorFlow provides compliance software and record-keeping tools. It is not a law firm or an immigration adviser and does not give legal or immigration advice, which are regulated activities (Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, section 84). This page describes what the published Home Office guidance and the Immigration Rules say, with the paragraph for each point, so you can read the source yourself. Guidance versions and figures are those in force on the date shown; the Home Office changes them, so check the current version before you rely on any of it.
Immigration firms: check the role, build the file.
Step 1 checks a role and its candidates against the published rules, with the quote and the paragraph for each finding. Step 2 builds the Appendix D file. Your solicitor decides and signs. £1,875 a month + VAT, unlimited files and client portals, 30 days free on a real file, no card.
Try it free for 30 daysSponsoring employers: ask your adviser.
SponsorFlow is supplied through your immigration adviser, in a client portal under the firm’s name. Care providers: see MyCareGuard’s sponsor-licence module.
How employers get SponsorFlow