Construction Plant Operator
What is the work like?
As a construction plant operator, you would work with machinery used on building sites, roadworks, railways and in forestry.
You would operate machines, including:
- 180- and 360-degree excavators (JCBs)
- earth moving bulldozers and dumper trucks
- mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs or cherry pickers)
- static tower cranes, and mobile and rough terrain cranes
- compactors and whacker plates used for flattening out work areas.
You would also use forklifts and telescopic handlers to unload and move building materials around the site.
As well as driving and operating plant machinery, you would change buckets, shovels and other attachments, maintain equipment and carry out daily safety checks.
Depending on your job, you might work with a banksman/bankswoman, who would check the position and depth of excavations at ground level, or direct you by signals or radio if your visibility is restricted.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not always need qualifications to work as a plant operator but some employers may look for GCSEs in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications like the Edexcel (BTEC) Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction, or Intermediate Construction Award.
You could work as a labourer at first to gain some site experience. Once working, your employer may offer you training in plant operation.
You may be able to get into this job through an construction Apprenticeship scheme with a contractor. 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. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Previous driving experience with LGVs or forklifts may give you an advantage when looking for work.
ConstructionSkills has information about construction careers, training and qualifications. The construction trades are also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally receive training on the job, leading to NVQ qualifications, such as the NVQ in Plant Operations at Level 2.
The NVQ has options covering:
- cranes and lifting equipment
- earthmoving and extraction equipment
- powered access (telescopic handlers) equipment
- transporting loads
- compaction equipment.
There are also options for slinger/signaller work, dismantling cranes and rigs, and barge and rail work.
With experience, you could move on to NVQ Construction Plant and Equipment Supervision at Level 3.
Your employer may arrange training for you to gain a Powered Access Licence (PAL). The Licence proves that you can operate mobile elevated work platforms on site. For more information about PALs and details of training providers, see the International Powered Access Federation’s website.
For details of construction plant trainers, contact ConstructionSkills and the Construction Plant Hire Association below. ConstructionSkills also lists NVQ providers by region on their website.
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)
Most contractors insist that you have a CPCS card to work on site. The red 'trainee' card allows you to operate plant on site to build up your experience. Once you have completed relevant NVQ units for the category of plant you operate, you can convert to the blue/green card to prove you are fully competent. For full details about the CPCS scheme, contact ConstructionSkills.
Where can I go for more information?
27/28 Newbury StreetLondon
EC1A 7HU
Tel: 020 7796 3366
Bridge End Business Park
Milnthorpe
LA7 7RH
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?
- Trainees can earn up to £13,000 a year.
- With qualifications, plant operators can earn between £15,000 and £19,000.
- Experienced plant operators can earn between £20,000 and £26,000 a year.
Operators can increase their salary with overtime and bonus payments if working on contracts.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 40 hours a week, but working hours may vary to meet deadlines.
Most of your work will take place outdoors in all weathers, and conditions can be noisy and dirty. Some machines may be open to the weather while others have heated cabs. You may be working at heights, for example when operating a tower crane. You would wear personal protective clothing for all jobs, including a safety helmet, ear guards and boots.
The nature of the work means you would travel from site to site, with some contracts taking you further afield and involving periods of time away from home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a basic knowledge of vehicle mechanics
- good eyesight, hearing and concentration levels
- good practical skills
- the ability to follow detailed instructions
- a good level of fitness and agility for changing heavy attachments and climbing in and out of cabs
- good communication skills
- an awareness of safe working practices
- good teamworking skills and ability to work alone
- a good head for heights for some jobs.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work with building and civil engineering contractors, local authorities and plant hire companies. It may also be possible to work abroad on contracts. With experience, you could take up site supervision jobs or move into construction management.
You could also specialise in related areas of work, such as estimating, or become a plant coordinator, selecting the machinery needed for each new job and assessing new equipment. Plant sales is another area open to you if you have an in-depth knowledge of the industry.
Self-employment is common, either as an owner-operator or on a labour-only basis for a contractor.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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