Construction plant operator
Use large machines and vehicles, like diggers or cranes, to complete big construction jobs.
Also known as: plant operator
About the job
What it's like
In this job, you'll work at the heart of building sites. Construction plant operatives control the heavy machinery that keeps a project moving.
You'll focus on using and maintaining all sorts of construction equipment. This can range from diggers and dumpers to cranes and rollers! You could work across a few different areas, such as the groundworks for new buildings, laying roads or assisting with demolition.
If you love practical work and being outdoors, this job could be perfect for you! No two days are the same, as you'll delve into many different projects.
Construction plant operators are found in many areas. For example, you could work in civil engineering, housebuilding, roadworks or even renewable energy projects. You can even specialise in certain machines, such as tower cranes, excavators or plant maintenance.
Your tasks might include:
operating excavators to dig foundations or trenches
moving materials around site using dump trucks or loaders
carrying out daily safety checks on machinery
assisting with setting up and dismantling plant equipment
following site plans and instructions from supervisors
reporting faults or maintenance issues promptly
Green job
In this job, you could do work to help the environment. You might:
operate machinery on wind farm or solar farm construction sites
support projects that improve flood defences or restore natural habitats
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Go Construct – explore what it's like to work as a construction plant operator
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) – learn more about CSCS cards
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) – find out about CPCS cards
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Energy -
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- taking initiative
- concentrating
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
There are a few routes you can take to get into this career.
Work
You can become a construction plant operator through applying directly with an employer or getting an entry-level job as a labourer or groundworker. You'll then be in a good position to work your way up.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for vacancies.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Construction: Civil Engineering.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job. Useful subjects include:
Construction Management
Civil Engineering
Built Environment
Mechanical Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs and HNDs.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a construction plant operator. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You'll usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on construction sites. You'll need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for the CSCS scheme.
If you want to work in the construction industry, you must hold a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card.
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