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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)

£22,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 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 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 give you the skills you'll need to find a trainee job after you finish. 

Courses include:

  • heavy vehicle maintenance
  • construction plant or machinery maintenance
  • mechanical engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Construction Equipment Maintenance Mechanic Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes around 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

You could 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 details about how to become a construction plant mechanic 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 work well with your hands
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • 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

As a construction plant mechanic, you'll:

  • service and repair plant equipment and machinery
  • inspect engines, gearboxes, electrics and hydraulics
  • identify problems using computerised diagnostic tools
  • dismantle parts to fix faults before reassembling them
  • use hand and power tools and other specialist equipment
  • carry out tests and safety checks before signing off jobs

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 services representative
  • site supervisor or workshop 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

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Construction plant mechanic right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Level 2 Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (VRQ)

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: DAVENTRY

Level 3 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (Day Release)

  • Provider: WEST HERTS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Luton
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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