Plant Operator – Go Construct
What does a plant operator do? A plant operator uses various machinery to perform tasks such as removing soil or dirt, moving equipment around a site, or creating new structures.
Responsibilities
* Operate 180 and 360‑degree excavators
* Move earth with excavators, bulldozers and dumper trucks
* Load shovels
* Operate giant cranes and work with sling signallers via radio
* Level out areas with compactors
* Use piling rigs and concrete pumps
* Operate forklifts to unload and move materials around the site
* Carry out safety checks and keep machines running properly
* Change buckets and other machine attachments
* Work on building sites – noisy, physically demanding and messy
How to Become a Plant Operator
* College or training provider – obtain the required qualifications.
* Apprenticeship – complete an intermediate apprenticeship in Plant Operations or a Level 2/3 Apprenticeship in Plant Operations (usually ~2 years).
* Work experience – gain on‑site experience as a general construction labourer or operative and obtain on‑the‑job training.
* CSCS or CPCS cards may be required to work on a construction site.
Qualifications
* Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant Operations
* Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship
* SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Plant Operations
* Modern Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 5 & 6 (Plant Operations)
* Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations
* Level 3 Apprenticeship in Plant Operations
Work Experience
Experience operating heavy machinery is preferable. You could also work as a general construction labourer or operative to gain on‑site experience and receive on‑the‑job training.
Skills
* Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
* Knowledge of engineering science, maths, and technology
* Design skills and knowledge
* Manual dexterity
* Attention to detail
* Ability to accept criticism and work under pressure
* Teamwork
* Computer proficiency and use of main software packages
Salary
* Newly trained plant operators can start at £25,000
* Experienced plant operators can earn up to £46,500
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