Construction Plant Mechanic
What is the work like?
Construction plant mechanics service and repair plant machinery, such as 180 and 360 degree excavators (JCBs), bulldozers, cranes and loading shovels, dumper trucks, generators, compressors and concrete mixers.
As a plant mechanic, your job would involve:
- regularly inspecting engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, electrical systems and tyres
- checking the bucket (large front shovel), the back hoe (rear digger) and the outriggers (stabilising stands)
- identifying faults, dismantling parts and repairing or replacing faulty parts
- reassembling parts and testing them to make sure they are working properly and safely
- arranging for machinery that cannot be fixed on site to be moved to the repair workshop.
You would use various hand and power tools in your job and also specialist computer fault-finding equipment, as well as welding equipment and lifting gear.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to start this job with an employer as a trainee mechanic, through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Another option is to take a college course in vehicle mechanics, for example:
- City & Guilds Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: Heavy Vehicle (4101)
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Repair and Technology: Heavy Vehicle.
You would need a driving licence to drive heavy vehicles on public roads.
It could be helpful if you have related experience or qualifications in areas such as LGV mechanics, or mechanical and electrical engineering maintenance. See the profile for Engineering Maintenance Fitter.
See the ConstructionSkills and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) websites for general information about careers in this field.
What further training and development can I do?
While training, you would work under the supervision of an experienced mechanic, with day or block release to a local college or training provider. Your training would normally lead to NVQ in Plant Maintenance (Construction) at levels 1 to 3. The NVQ units include:
- identifying faults
- servicing, maintaining and repairing plant and equipment
- testing repairs
- dismantling and assembling plant and equipment parts
- providing technical advice to construction plant users.
For more details about training, contact ConstructionSkills.
Depending on your job, you could also work towards the ECITB NVQ in Maintaining Plant and Systems (Mechanical) at Level 3, which covers similar areas to the NVQ above. For more details, contact the ECITB.
Safety Passport (CCNSG)
The ECITB has information about a range of work-based training programmes for employees, including the two-day Safety Passport (CCNSG - Client/Contractor National Safety Group). See the CCNSG website for more details and training providers.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0844 248 5262Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration: 01923 402155
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries for trainee plant mechanics start at around £10,000.
- Experienced plant mechanics earn between £15,000 and £23,000.
- Plant workshop managers can earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Self-employed plant mechanics negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime is common, including weekends.
Your time would be split between a workshop and sitework in all weathers. This job can be physically demanding and some of your work may be underground or at heights, for instance when repairing cranes.
You often have to move from job to job, and you could be based anywhere in the UK for many weeks at a time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good mechanical maintenance skills
- a willingness to keep up to date with changing technology
- a methodical approach to solving problems
- an awareness of health and safety issues
- a reasonable level of fitness
- normal colour vision
- the ability to work alone without direct supervision.
What opportunities are there?
Civil engineering contractors, plant hire companies, building contractors, service dealerships and distributors, and machine manufacturers all employ plant mechanics. There is currently a demand for about 1,200 qualified mechanics over the next two years.
Your options for promotion vary between employers but may include progression to construction plant technician, technical service representative, site supervisor or site manager.
With experience, you may have the option to move into self-employment as a plant mechanic, working on a sub-contract basis.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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