How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working your way into the role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course, for example:
- Level 2 Certificate in Construction Plant Operations
- Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
These courses will teach you some of the skills you need. Once you finish the course, you could try to find a trainee job with a building company.
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
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Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a construction plant operator intermediate apprenticeship.
If you want to operate cranes, you could do a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could find work as a general construction labourer to get some on-site experience. Once you're working, your employer may offer you training in plant operation.
Direct Application
It may be possible to apply directly to employers if you've got experience in construction or operating other types of heavy machinery.
Some employers may ask for GCSEs in subjects like English, maths and design and technology.
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Registration
you may need a plant card to operate some machinery
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a construction plant operator from Go Construct.