Construction plant mechanic
Career outlook for construction plant mechanic
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£20,000
£20,000
Experienced
£35,000
£35,000
Currently employed in Scotland
16,800
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would make sure that large machines and vehicles on a construction site work safely and fix them if they broke down.
You’d maintain and repair plant machinery, such as
- Diggers
- Bulldozers
- Excavators (JCBs)
- Cranes
- Dumper trucks
- Generators
- Concrete mixers
You’d regularly inspect different parts of the machines including the engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, electrical systems and tyres to check they are working well.
You would:
- Find faults using specialist computer equipment
- Explain the problem to the construction workers and managers
- Dismantle machinery parts, and repair or replace faulty parts
- Reassemble parts and test them to make sure they are working properly and safely
You’d do routine servicing of plant and equipment both on site and in the repair workshop. If you could not fix a machine on site, you’d arrange for it to be moved to the repair workshop.
You would use various hand and power tools, electrical testing equipment, welding equipment and lifting gear.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
88%
Part-time
4%
Self employed
8%
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- Adaptability
- Verbal communication
- Working with technology
- Evaluating
- Problem solving
- Working with numbers
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Analysing
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Qualifications
A Modern Apprenticeship leading to relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Construction Plant or Machinery Maintenance (SVQ level 2/3).
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary through some employer may require National 4 or National 5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Science subjects
- Practical technologies subjects
You will also need
You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
A full driving licence is usually essential and a special category of licence for driving heavy vehcles is sometimes required.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction and practical skills, such as
- Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCQF level 3)
- Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
You might also need to have the Client/Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport to work in this job.