Construction plant mechanic

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

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:

• 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

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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
• analytical thinking skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• concentration skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• customer service skills

What you'll do:

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

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

Location : You could work on a construction site or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be dirty, noisy, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends away from home

Career Path:

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.