Construction plant operator
Use large machines and vehicles, like diggers and cranes, to get big jobs done for roadworks, construction demolition and in quarries and railways.
Also known as: plant operator
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£365
Entry level
£692
Experienced
Monthly
£1,583
Entry level
£3,000
Experienced
Yearly
£19,000
Entry level
£36,000
Experienced
6,400
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would use large machines and vehicles, like diggers and cranes, to get jobs done on construction and demolition sites, roadworks, and in industrial sites like quarries and railways.
You could use machines such as:
excavators or diggers
dumper trucks
bulldozers
loading shovels
mobile and crawler cranes
tower cranes
compactors used for levelling work areas
piling rigs
concrete pumps
You would carry out daily safety checks on the machine you are using so a basic knowledge of vehicle mechanics would be necesary. You would also change the buckets and other attachments.
You might also use forklifts to unload and move materials around the site.
If you operated a crane, you would work with a slinger signaler who would attach the loads and direct you by signals or radio.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
There are no formal qualifications required for entry to this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5.
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction and practical skills, such as:
Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCQF Level 3)
Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 4/5)
You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
Plant operators who work in the construction industry must hold a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card.
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