Construction Plant Mechanic
The Work
Construction plant mechanics service, maintain and repair plant machinery such as 360-degree excavators, bulldozers, cranes and loading shovels, dump trucks, generators and compressors, and concrete mixers.
They are concerned with the inspection and maintenance engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, electrical systems and tyres. On large machines they also inspect the bucket (large front shovel), the back hoe (rear digger) and the outriggers (stabilising stands) that keep the machine level on soft or uneven ground.
When a machine breaks down on site they have to examine it, identify the fault, dismantle the relevant section and repair or replace the faulty parts. They then reassemble and test the machine to make sure it is working properly.
Plant mechanics use a range of hand and power tools and may also use specialist computer diagnostic equipment, as well as welding equipment and lifting gear.
Hours and Conditions
Construction plant mechanics normally work a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Overtime is common, including weekends.
Work can be both outdoors on site in all weathers and in workshops. The work can be physically demanding and very dirty. Some work could be underground or involve working at great heights, for instance crane repair.
Construction plant mechanics often have to move from job to job, and can be based anywhere in the UK for many months at a time. A driving licence is helpful.
Skills and Interests
To be a construction plant mechanic, you should:
A driving licence will be required to drive heavy vehicles on public roads.
Training
Major construction and plant hire companies offer four-year apprenticeship schemes, where you undertake supervised work experience coupled with day or block release to local colleges or training providers. Training leads to NVQ / SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Plant Maintenance (Construction).
Course units include:
The CITB also has two-year integrated plant mechanics courses at Bircham Newton and Glasgow, which lead to NVQ / SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Plant Maintenance (Construction); the course includes on-site experience as well as block release at local colleges.
For details on training, contact CITB - Construction Skills.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) also offer an NVQ in Maintaining Plant and Systems (Mechanical) at Level 3 covering similar areas to those above. For more details, contact ECITB.
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 mechanics are employed by large civil engineering contractors, plant hire companies, building contractors, service dealerships and distributors, and machine manufacturers.
It is possible to work abroad, particularly with large civil engineering contractors.
Possibilities for promotion varies between employers. Progression to plant technician, technical service representative, supervisor or management positions may be available.
With experience, self-employment as a plant mechanic may be an option.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) sets out wage rates annually.
Salaries for trainee plant mechanics start at around £10,000 a year.
Experienced plant mechanics can earn around £16,000+ a year.
Senior plant mechanics could earn up to £21,000+ a year.
Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Those self-employed negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)
Tel: 01923 260000
www.ecitb.org.uk
SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
Tel: 0808 100 3682
www.semta.org.uk
Institution of Incorporated Engineers
Tel: 020 7836 3357
www.iie.org.uk
