Plant Operator

What does a plant operator do?As a plant operator you will be responsible for using a variety of machinery to do tasks such as removing soil or dirt, moving equipment around a site, or creating new structures.The job role of a plant operator involves the following duties:Using 180 and 360-degree excavatorsMoving earth with excavators, bulldozers and dumper trucksLoading shovelsOperating giant cranes and working with slinger signallers via radioLevelling out areas with compactorsUsing piling rigs and concrete pumpsUsing forklifts to unload and move materials around the siteCarrying out safety checks and keeping machines running properlyChanging buckets and other machine attachmentsWorking on building sites doing noisy, physically demanding and messy work.Experience this career - try our interactive toolHow to become a plant operatorThere are several routes to becoming a plant operator. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship or on the job training.You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these routes have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to follow instructions.You may need Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) or Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) cards to work on a construction site.Find out moreCollege/training providerYou may need to attend a specialist college or training provider to gain the right qualifications.Funding adviceApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship with a construction firm or plant hire company is a good way into the industry.Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.You could complete a Plant Operator or Lifting Technician intermediate apprenticeship or an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations. An intermediate apprenticeship takes around two years to complete.You might need GCSEs (including English and maths) or equivalent, to do an apprenticeship, but not all employers ask for formal qualifications.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkIf you have experience in operating heavy machinery, you might be able to apply for a job directly.If not, you could look for work as a general construction labourer or operative to gain on-site experience. Your employer may then offer on-the-job training.Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. Employers will always be pleased to see it listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkillsAdditional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a plant operator include:Able to use, repair and maintain machines and toolsKnowledge of engineering science, maths, and technologyDesign skills and knowledgeAble to work well with your handsBe thorough and pay attention to detailAble to accept criticism and work well under pressureAble to work well with othersAble to use a computer and the main software packages confidentlyQualificationsTo become a plant operator, you could complete a:Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant OperationsLevel 2 Construction Plant Operative ApprenticeshipTo Become a Plant Operator, You Could Complete A:SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & Level 6 in Plant Operations - where you would normally learn one piece of plant equipment such as an excavatorModern Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 5 & Level 6 (Plant Operations) where you would normally train on one piece of equipment such as an excavatorTo Become a Plant Operator, You Could Complete A:Level 2 NVQ in Plant OperationsLevel 3 Apprenticeship in Plant OperationsHow much could you earn as a plant operator?The expected salary for a plant operator varies as you become more experienced.Newly trained plant operators can start at £25000Trained with experience plant operators can earn up to £46500*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources