We are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training under the Continuing Education and Training Act No. 16 of 2006. DHET Centre Number: 899994812. Further accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP110722.
Accredited with CETA ACCREDITATION NO: ACC/23/07/00015 and TETA ACCREDITATION NO: TETA 22-1553 under the Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998. Company Registration Number: 2013/224763/07.
Certificate: Cherry Picker (MEWP) Training
Unit Standard No: 243272
Unit Standard Credits: 10
NQF Level: 2
Course Duration: 2 weeks
Cost Per Person: R 5500
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a CERTIFICATE.
We offer free accommodation to our learners, as well as job assistance to help graduates pursue employment opportunities after completing their training.
Our Cherry Picker Operator Training Course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to safely and efficiently operate a cherry picker for working at heights, accessing elevated work areas, and performing maintenance, installation, and inspection tasks. The training covers essential machine controls and functions, pre-operation inspections, platform operation, raising and lowering procedures, positioning and manoeuvring, fall protection, equipment stability, ground conditions, workplace hazards, and emergency procedures. Learners are guided on how to operate the equipment responsibly while following manufacturer specifications, site requirements, operating limitations, and recognised workplace safety practices. The course provides valuable skills for individuals seeking opportunities in industries such as construction, mining, warehousing, facilities maintenance, electrical installations, telecommunications, industrial maintenance, and infrastructure development.
Theory Training – 20%: Covers cherry picker fundamentals, machine components and controls, manufacturer specifications, pre-start inspections, platform functions, operating capacities, safe working heights, fall protection, machine stability, workplace safety, PPE, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
Practical Training – 80%: Provides hands-on experience in conducting pre-operation checks, starting and stopping the cherry picker, operating the elevated work platform, raising and lowering the platform, positioning and manoeuvring, accessing elevated work areas, maintaining safe clearances, and operating safely on suitable surfaces and terrain.
Competency Assessment: Learners are assessed on their theoretical knowledge, practical cherry picker operation, platform control, positioning, manoeuvring, site awareness, fall protection, safety practices, and ability to operate the equipment safely and effectively.
Machine Orientation: Learn what a cherry picker is and its functions and applications in working at heights, maintenance, installation, inspection, and elevated access. Training covers the platform or work basket, boom, hydraulic system, operator controls, stabilisers where fitted, safety harness attachment points, emergency lowering systems, warning devices, and operating capacities according to manufacturer specifications.
Pre-Operation Checks: Learn how to conduct comprehensive pre-start inspections, including checking tyres, brakes, steering, hydraulic systems, boom sections, platform or basket, guardrails, controls, emergency stops, safety devices, harness attachment points, and overall machine condition. Training also covers identifying and reporting faults and understanding the manufacturer’s operating manual.
Site Preparation & Work Planning: Learn how to assess and prepare the work area before operations begin. Training covers ground conditions, slopes, overhead power lines, overhead obstructions, access routes, pedestrian areas, falling-object hazards, weather conditions, safety signs, PPE, exclusion zones, and safe working distances.
Safe Operating Procedures: Learn essential PPE requirements, site safety procedures, hazard identification, machine stability, fall protection, pedestrian awareness, safe operation near excavations, uneven terrain, slopes, overhead obstructions, and emergency procedures.
Operating Procedures: Learn to operate cherry picker controls according to manufacturer specifications, including starting and stopping, steering, braking, driving and positioning, raising and lowering the platform, boom movement, platform controls, emergency stops, and safe manoeuvring.
Platform Operations: Develop skills in positioning the cherry picker, raising and lowering the platform, accessing elevated work areas, maintaining safe working distances, and positioning the platform for maintenance, installation, and inspection tasks. Training covers platform capacity, load management, safe entry and exit, and maintaining stability during operation.
Elevated Work & Access Procedures: Learn safe working-at-height techniques, including platform positioning, maintaining three points of contact where applicable, using designated fall protection equipment, observing harness requirements, avoiding overhead hazards, and keeping clear of power lines while following site safety procedures.
Machine Stability & Worksite Hazards: Understand how load weight, platform height, boom position, ground conditions, slopes, wind, machine positioning, and stabiliser placement where fitted affect cherry picker stability. Training also covers avoiding overloading, tipping, collisions, and unsafe operating conditions.
Post-Operation Procedures: Learn correct shutdown, parking, cleaning, inspection, and securing procedures, including lowering the platform, retracting and securing the boom, switching off the equipment, removing keys where required, reporting faults, and completing required workplace logs and documentation.
Not Familiar with Johannesburg or Gauteng?
No problem! We offer FREE transport from the following pick-up points to our training centre:
📍 MTN Taxi Rank
📍 Johannesburg Park Station
📍 Germiston Taxi Rank
📍 O.R. Tambo International Airport
Get in Touch with Us, Send us a Email
Employment Opportunities
After successfully completing your Training, you are welcome to submit your CV to cv@ahtrainings.co.za. We are regularly contacted by recruitment agencies and employers seeking qualified and competent candidates, and we may refer suitable candidates when opportunities become available.
Graduates are also encouraged to actively apply for positions through leading online job portals such as Indeed, CareerJunction, LinkedIn, and other recruitment platforms to increase their employment opportunities.
While successful completion of the course enhances your employability, securing employment remains subject to the recruitment process and the requirements of individual employers. Our goal is to help equip you with the skills and qualifications needed to pursue rewarding career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Completing Cherry Picker Operator Training can prepare learners for employment opportunities as a Cherry Picker Operator, Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Operator, Elevated Work Platform Operator, Aerial Work Platform Operator, Maintenance Access Operator, and General Plant Operator.
Cherry Picker Operators can find opportunities in industries such as construction, mining, warehousing, facilities maintenance, electrical installations, telecommunications, industrial maintenance, building maintenance, and infrastructure development.
On-Site Company Training
We bring the training to you.
Our team is available to travel to companies across South Africa to provide professional on-site training for your employees.
Whether you need to train a small group or an entire workforce, we deliver the same high standard of practical, industry-focused instruction at your premises. We work with businesses of all sizes and can schedule training at times that suit your operations.
Partner with us to keep your workforce skilled, compliant, and workplace-ready.
Explore Our Training Courses
We offer a wide range of practical training courses designed to help learners develop the skills and knowledge needed for careers in transport, construction, mining, engineering, industrial operations, safety, and skilled trades. Explore our courses below and choose the training programme that best matches your career goals.
Heavy Equipment & Machinery Training
Superlink Training · Reach Stacker Training · Forklift Training · 777 Dump Truck Training · ADT Dump Truck Training · Drill Rig Training · LHD Scoop Training · Mobile Crane Training · Excavator Training · TLB Training · Front End Loader Training · Tower Crane Training · Overhead Crane Training · Reach Truck Training · Grader Training · Bulldozer Training · Bobcat Training · Road Roller Training · Truck Mounted Crane Training · Tractor Training · Telehandler Training · Tipper Truck Training · Superlink Reverse Training · Sidetipper Training
Safety & Occupational Training
Hazchem Training · Working at Heights Training · Safety Officer Training · Rigging Training · First Aid Training · Fire Fighter Training
Technical Trades & Welding Training
Plumbing Training · Carpentry Training · Pipe Fitter Training · Boilermaking Training · Electrical Training · Welding Training · Arc Welding Training · Double Coded Welding Training · CO₂ Welding Training · Stick Welding Training · Gas Welding Training · TIG Welding Training · MIG Welding Training · Aluminium Welding Training · Argon Welding Training · Stainless Steel Welding Training
FAQs
What is Cherry Picker Operator Training?
Cherry Picker Operator Training provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to safely and efficiently operate a cherry picker for elevated access, maintenance, installation, inspection, and working-at-height activities.
How long does Cherry Picker Training take?
Our Cherry Picker Training Course takes 2 weeks to complete, including theory training, practical training, and competency assessment.
How much does Cherry Picker Training cost?
Our Cherry Picker Training Course costs R5,500, including theory training, practical training, and competency assessment.
What does Cherry Picker Training cover?
The course covers machine orientation, pre-operation inspections, controls, platform operation, raising and lowering procedures, positioning, manoeuvring, machine stability, fall protection, site preparation, workplace hazards, and emergency procedures.
Is Cherry Picker Training practical?
Yes. Learners receive hands-on training in operating the cherry picker, raising and lowering the platform, positioning, manoeuvring, accessing elevated work areas, and operating safely on suitable surfaces and terrain.
Who should take Cherry Picker Training?
The course is suitable for individuals who want to operate cherry pickers in construction, mining, warehousing, facilities maintenance, electrical installations, telecommunications, industrial maintenance, and infrastructure development.
Where can a Cherry Picker Operator work?
Cherry Picker Operators can pursue opportunities in construction, mining, warehousing, facilities maintenance, electrical installations, telecommunications, building maintenance, industrial maintenance, and general plant operations.
What career opportunities are available after Cherry Picker Training?
Completing Cherry Picker Training can prepare learners for roles such as Cherry Picker Operator, Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Operator, Elevated Work Platform Operator, Aerial Work Platform Operator, Maintenance Access Operator, and General Plant Operator.
How much does it cost to renew a Cherry Picker certificate and licence, and how long is it valid?
The Cherry Picker certificate and licence are valid for 2 years before renewal is required. The renewal cost is R1,300, with same-day renewal available.
How much do you get paid as a Cherry Picker (MEWP) operator in South Africa?
A Cherry Picker (MEWP) operator in South Africa can earn around R565,222 per year, depending on experience, employer, location, working hours, and additional allowances. This is approximately R47,102 per month before deductions. Actual earnings can vary considerably between employers and roles.
Cherry Picker (MEWP) Training Fees, Course Prices & Certificate: Learners can contact us for the latest Cherry Picker (MEWP) training fees and course prices, Training Academy Cost Price List including available classes, training requirements, assessment, and certification. The Cherry Picker (MEWP) certificate cost may depend on the selected training programme and assessment requirements. Learners can also enquire about Cherry Picker (MEWP) Operator certification, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Operator training, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Operator courses, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Driver courses, Cherry Picker (MEWP) licence (license) requirements, Cherry Picker (MEWP) classes, and training availability near you. If you are searching for Cherry Picker (MEWP) training near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Operator training near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Driver training near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) licence near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) license near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) courses near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Operator courses near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) Driver courses near me, Cherry Picker (MEWP) classes near me, or a Cherry Picker (MEWP) training school near me, contact us for course availability, fees, licence (license) requirements, and enrolment information on WhatsApp +27 814 732 638.