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Construction plant mechanic

Alternative titles for this job include Mobile plant fitter

Construction plant mechanics service and repair heavy plant machinery like diggers, dumper trucks and cranes.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a construction plant mechanic

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could start by taking a course that will teach the skills you'll need to find a trainee job after you finish. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
  • Level 2 Diploma in Construction Plant or Machinery Maintenance
  • Level 3 Diploma in Plant Maintenance

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job by doing a construction equipment maintenance mechanic intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs directly if you have experience or qualifications in large goods vehicle (LGV) mechanics or mechanical and electrical engineering maintenance.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You'll find more on working with plant machinery from Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • observation and recording skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Day-to-day you could:

  • service and repair plant equipment and machinery
  • inspect engines, gearboxes and hydraulics
  • dismantle machinery to locate problems
  • identify faults using computerised diagnostic tools
  • reassemble parts and machinery and test them
  • arrange for machinery to be moved to a repair workshop if required
  • use hand and power tools and other specialist equipment
  • keep work and safety records up to date

Working environment

You could work on a construction site or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be dirty, noisy, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a construction plant technician, technical service representative, site supervisor or site manager.

You could also set up your own business or train apprentices.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Plant Service Engineer

  • Wage: £174.00 - £328.40 Weekly
  • Location: Not known

Apprenticeship - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Plant or Machinery

  • Wage: £18,700.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Study Programme - Heavy Vehicle (HGV) Level 2

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2022
  • Location: Castleford

Apprenticeship Standard - Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance & Repair ST0068

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2022
  • Location: Castleford
Find courses near you

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