Construction Plant Operator
The Work
Plant operators control and operate machinery used on construction sites and roadworks. Machinery includes 360 degree excavators, bulldozers and dumper trucks for moving earth; static tower cranes, mobile and rough terrain cranes for lifting and moving materials; and compactors such as rollers and small machines known as whacker plates used for flattening out work areas. Operators may also use fork lifts and telescopic handlers to move or load building materials.
In addition to driving and operating machinery, operators change buckets and other attachments, maintain equipment and carry out daily safety checks.
A banksman / woman may work with the operator at ground level, checking the position and depth of an excavation, or directing the operator by signals or radio when visibility is restricted.
Hours and Conditions
Plant operators usually work a 39-hour week, but working hours vary in order to meet deadlines. Unsocial hours are common.
Construction plant operators work outdoors in all weathers. Conditions can also be noisy, dirty and dusty. Some machines may be open to the weather while others have heated cabs. Some jobs involve working at heights.
Protective clothing including safety helmets, ear defenders and goggles are worn when necessary. The work can involve travel, both local or further afield for short or long periods. A full driving licence is often preferred.
Skills and Interests
To be a construction plant operator you should:
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release
at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ / SVQ qualifications.
You work towards NVQs / SVQs in Specialised Plant and Machinery Operations
(Construction) at levels 1 and 2.
As well as mandatory units, options include:
There may be the option to progress to NVQ Construction Plant and Equipment Supervision at Level 3.
For details on training provision, contact CITB - Construction Skills or the Construction Plant Hire Association below.
NB. Since January 2004, the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card - formerly CTA / NPORS / Lantra Awards - will be the only accepted proof of an operator's competence. Many sites insist you hold the card before you can work on them. For details, contact CITB - Construction Skills.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Plant operators are employed by building or civil engineering contractors, local authorities and other public organisations, and plant hire companies. It may be possible to work abroad on contract or to progress to supervisory positions and construction site management.
Plant operators may also move into specialised areas of work such as estimating, or may become plant co-ordinators, selecting the machinery needed for each new project and evaluating new machinery. Self-employment is common, either as an owner-operator or on a labour-only basis for a contractor, with all equipment provided.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) sets out wage rates annually.
For trainees, depending on the stage of training they are at, salaries range between £7,100 to £13,000 a year.
With qualifications, plant operators can earn between £14,000 and £18,000 a year.
Experienced plant operators can earn up to £25,000 a year.
If working on contracts, operators can increase their salary with overtime and bonus payments.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
Construction Plant Hire Association
Tel: 020 7796 3366
www.cpa.uk.net
