Construction plant mechanic

You could start by taking a course that will give you some of the skills needed for 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a construction plant maintenance mechanic.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Registration

• you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Career tips

You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience or qualifications in large goods vehicle mechanics or mechanical and electrical engineering maintenance.

Further information

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

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

Day-to-day you could:

• service and repair plant machinery
• regularly inspect engines, gearboxes and hydraulics
• identify faults and repair or replace faulty parts
• reassemble parts and test them
• arrange for machinery to be moved to the repair workshop
• carry out routine servicing of plant and equipment
• use hand and power tools and specialist equipment

You could work on a construction site.

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.