Trainee Mobile Plant Mechanic (Qualified Mechanic Retraining)
SD Plant Maintenance Ltd – Sheffield (S9) + UK-wide travel
Job type: Full-time, permanent | Pay: £13–£15 per hour DOE, rising to £16 per hour once signed off as competent
The Opportunity
Already fully qualified in mechanics/engineering (e.g., Level 3 NVQ/City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent) and ready to pivot into a high-demand niche? We’ll retrain you to maintain and repair vacuum excavator machines—specialist, safety-critical plant used by major utilities and civils contractors.
For the first 6 months, you’ll work hands-on with our Director to learn the platform end-to-end. Once competent, you’ll run your own jobs—either remotely on customer sites nationwide or in our Sheffield workshop.
About SD Plant Maintenance Ltd
We’re a fast-growing specialist focused on vacuum excavators—trusted nationwide and known for methodical, high-standards engineering. Join a small, high-performing team with modern processes and real ownership of outcomes.
What You’ll Do
* Assist, then independently deliver fault-finding, inspections, servicing, repairs and refurbishments on vacuum excavators.
* Diagnose mechanical issues methodically; verify fixes with functional tests and clear documentation.
* Complete routine and statutory inspections to high standards.
* Execute basic hydraulics tasks (filters, hoses, leaks, valve checks); support complex work.
* Perform basic 24V electrical diagnostics (fuses, relays, sensors, CAN basics) under guidance.
* Carry out basic fabrication/welding when required.
* Use digital job sheets, order parts, and secure customer sign-off per procedure.
* Travel to customer sites across the UK; occasional nights away.
Training & Progression
* Structured 6-month onboarding: platform systems, safety, hydraulics, 24V, inspections, documentation.
* Shadow → assisted jobs → lead engineer sign-off pathway.
* Progression to Mobile Plant Engineer / Senior Plant Technician based on competence.
What You’ll Need (Essential)
* Fully qualified mechanic/engineer (e.g., Level 3 NVQ/City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent) in Mechanical, HGV, Plant, Marine, Forces, Automotive, etc.
* Strong, methodical fault-finding skills and disciplined root-cause thinking.
* Inspection experience (plant/HGV/automotive/industrial).
* Own hand tools (we supply specialist tooling, test gear and PPE).
* English (spoken & written) and basic IT skills for job apps, reports and email.
* Comfortable working alone and remotely once trained.
* Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.
* Willing and able to work occasional evenings, weekends, and nights away.
Desirable
* Basic hydraulics knowledge (pressure/flow fundamentals, component ID).
* Basic 24V systems understanding (read simple schematics, safe multimeter use).
* Basic fabrication/welding experience (highly desirable).
* Exposure to plant, HGV, agricultural, military, or industrial machinery.
Pay, Hours & Benefits
* Pay: £13–£15 per hour DOE, rising to £16 per hour after sign-off as competent.
* Hours: 40–60 hours per week (paid overtime).
* Overtime: 1.5× rate for hours worked over 45 per week.
* Weekends: Provided either time off in lieu (TOIL) or 1.5× overtime (as agreed per rota).
* Company phone from day one.
* Company van provided once signed off to work independently.
* Pension, PPE, specialist tools, and ongoing training.
* 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays).
Location & Working Pattern
* Base: Sheffield S9 workshop; UK-wide field work with occasional nights away.
* Core pattern is weekdays; evenings/weekends as required by workload/rotas (compensated as above).
How to Apply (Indeed)
Please submit your CV and a short note covering:
1. Your highest mechanical/engineering qualification.
2. Summary of inspection and fault-finding experience.
3. Hydraulics/electrical/fabrication exposure.
4. Confirmation of full UK driving licence and own tools.
5. Willingness to travel, work evenings/weekends, and stay away when required.
Equal Opportunity: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and make hiring decisions based on capability and merit.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.00-£16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 60 per week
Benefits:
* Company car
Application question(s):
* Do you hold a Level 3 (or higher) mechanical/engineering qualification (or equivalent)?
* Do you hold a full UK driving licence?
Work Location: On the road
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