Everything to know about the construction plant operative apprenticeship
Everything you need to know about a Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship
A construction plant refers to the use of heavy machinery and equipment during construction works. It is to do with all machinery, appliances and things in the completion or maintenance of the construction works.
Construction plant operators work with machinery and equipment on building sites. They are tasked with driving and controlling machines and equipment on building sites and road works.
What does it take?
To become a construction plant operative, you must have the knowledge and skills required, these are:
- Work on your own
- Be thorough and pay attention to detail
- Knowledge of construction and building
- Patience and remain calm in high-stress situations
- Ability to carry out basic computer tasks and basic tasks on a handheld device
- Ability to work well with others
- Able to use, repair and maintenance the machines and tools
- Ability to control and operate equipment
What do construction plant operatives do?
They are tasked with lots of different tasks for construction plant operatives and it will often depend on the day and the construction site they are working on. However, there are tasks that will often be completed on most sites. These could be:
- Use dump trucks and bulldozers to move earth
- Complete safety checks on machines
- Change buckets, shovels, and other attachments
- Use the compactors to level out work areas
- Use the forklift to unload and move building materials around the construction site.
- Operate cranes and follow directions from the slinger or signaller by radio
- Use excavators
- Operate concrete pumps and piling rigs
Conditions that construction plant operatives work in
Sites can be dusty, dirty and noisy so wear protective gear – a hard hat, goggles, gloves, and ear protectors.
You may do a lot of climbing and heavy lifting.
You work outdoors on rough and muddy surfaces in all weather.
Work may be seasonal- could lead to fewer hours and layoffs in winter.
You may have to travel to different sites and work away from home.
Overtime is a possibility; this can be evenings and weekends so jobs can be finished in time.
Workforce employment status
Full time – 74.6% – 44,062 Part time – 7.6% – 4,511 Self Employed – 17.8% – 10,488
Getting in
You can start to train at the age of 16, but to drive the machines you must be 18 and have a full driving licence. You do not need any formal qualifications, but some employers will prefer if you have a national level 4 or 5 in maths, English or science or a technological subject. To work on a construction plant, you must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and to gain this you must pass the health and safety test to qualify.
To find out more about what courses and apprenticeships we offer in the construction industry have a look at our website and see what best for you. If you want any further information do not hesitate to contact us.