Summary
Working closely with the groundwork teams, learners will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience operating a range of plant machinery, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of site operations.
Wage
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Construction plant operative (level 2)
Hours
Between 8am – 4.30pm, Mon – Thurs, 3.30pm finish Fridays. ½hr for lunch).
39 hours a week
Start date
Monday 3 November 2025
Duration
1 year 3 months
Positions available
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
* Support Groundwork Activities.
* Assist with basic site preparation tasks such as digging, levelling, and trenching.
* Learn how to read site plans and follow instructions from supervisors.
* Shadow Experienced Operatives.
* Observe and learn from qualified groundwork and plant operatives.
* Ask questions and take notes to build an understanding of site operations.
* Operate Plant Machinery (Under Supervision).
* Gain supervised experience using machinery such as mini excavators, dumpers, and rollers.
Where you'll work
Rydings Road
Wardle
Rochdale
OL12 9PS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE
Training course
Construction plant operative (level 2)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Extract information from a variety of sources for basic servicing, checks, operational and maintenance requirements.
* Select and use tools, lubricants and equipment required for operator-level maintenance, checks, servicing and configuration requirements.
* Identify and apply information from a range of sources so that the machine is set for the work and for the work to be carried out.
* Identify and source materials, equipment and consumables for operational requirements.
* Prepare and set the machine for travelling purposes.
* Travel the machine across a range of ground, surfaces and in a range of operational environments and conditions inc. where relevant on inclines, and on and from a transporter.
* Plan, configure and set the machine to carry out the required work activity.
* Operate the machine in accordance with given instructions for excavating, compacting, loading, lifting, moving, discharging and placing activities relevant to the machine being used.
* Identify, use and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supporting staff and supervisors to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
* Carry out checks (through self and with others) that the work being carried out meets the job requirements and timescales.
* Position, configure and shut down the machine when work activities cease and isolate and secure the machine and relevant equipment and structures to prevent unauthorised use or access.
* Marshall the movements of a range of plant and delivery vehicles for positioning and safe movement requirements.
* Assist in the setting up, configuring and positioning of plant to carry out specific work functions.
* Assist in preparing and securing a transporter and the items of plant during the loading and unloading activity for transportation purposes.
* Work in accordance with health, safety, welfare and environmental requirements, evaluate the working area and activity according to static and dynamic risk assessments and method statements, and report on unsafe situations following organisational procedures.
* Extract information from a variety of sources for basic servicing, checks, operational and maintenance requirements.
* Select and use tools, lubricants and equipment required for operator-level maintenance, checks, servicing and configuration requirements.
* Identify and apply information from a range of sources so that the machine is set for the work and for the work to be carried out.
* Identify and source materials, equipment and consumables for operational requirements.
* Prepare and set the machine for travelling purposes.
* Travel the machine across a range of ground, surfaces and in a range of operational environments and conditions inc. where relevant on inclines, and on and from a transporter.
* Plan, configure and set the machine to carry out the required work activity.
* Operate the machine in accordance with given instructions for excavating, compacting, loading, lifting, moving, discharging and placing activities relevant to the machine being used.
* Identify, use and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supporting staff and supervisors to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
* Carry out checks (through self and with others) that the work being carried out meets the job requirements and timescales.
* Position, configure and shut down the machine when work activities cease and isolate and secure the machine and relevant equipment and structures to prevent unauthorised use or access.
* Marshall the movements of a range of plant and delivery vehicles for positioning and safe movement requirements.
* Assist in the setting up, configuring and positioning of plant to carry out specific work functions.
* Assist in preparing and securing a transporter and the items of plant during the loading and unloading activity for transportation purposes.
* Work in accordance with health, safety, welfare and environmental requirements, evaluate the working area and activity according to static and dynamic risk assessments and method statements, and report on unsafe situations following organisational procedures.
Training schedule
* Block release.
* Training at Hopwood Hall College and other partners.
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Patience
* punctual
Other requirements
Driving Licence. Access to travel. 18+ candidates due to insurance.