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- Make sure that heavy plant machinery like diggers and dumper trucks is well maintained and working safely
- With experience, progress to construction plant technician, technical service representative, site supervisor or site manager
- This role can be physically demanding and may involve work underground or at height, for instance when repairing cranes
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Servicing and repairing plant machinery
- Regularly inspecting engines, gearboxes and hydraulics
- Identifying faults and repairing or replacing faulty parts
- Reassembling parts and testing them
- Arranging for machinery to be moved to the repair workshop
- Carrying out routine servicing of plant and equipment
- Using hand and power tools and specialist equipment
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could earn more with overtime and various allowances. If you're self-employed, you'll negotiate your own pay rates. Overtime, including weekends, is common. Your time will be split between a workshop and sitework. You may need to travel and spend nights away from home, and your working environment may be noisy, physically demanding and include work at height.
You'll need
This role requires the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools, the ability to use your initiative and problem-solving skills.
You'll usually start through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in construction civil engineering: plant maintenance.
You'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site. You'll also need to have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months and take a colour vision test.
Good communication skills will help as you'll be working with clients and other operators.
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience or qualifications in large goods vehicle mechanics or mechanical and electrical engineering maintenance.
You could start by taking a course that will give you some of the skills needed for a trainee job after you finish. Courses include a level 2 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, level 2 Diploma in Construction Plant or Machinery Maintenance and level 3 Diploma in Plant Maintenance.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to construction plant technician, technical service representative, site supervisor or site manager. You could also set up your own business.