Construction plant mechanic Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Construction plant mechanics service and repair plant machinery, such as excavators (JCBs), bulldozers, cranes, dumper trucks, generators and concrete mixers.

As a plant mechanic, your work would involve:

• regularly inspecting engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, electrical systems and tyres
• identifying faults, dismantling parts and repairing or replacing faulty parts
• reassembling parts and testing them to make sure they are working properly and safely
• arranging for machinery that cannot be fixed on site to be moved to the repair workshop.
• Carrying out routine servicing of plant and equipment both on site and in the workshop.

You would use various hand and power tools in your job, as well as specialist computer fault-finding equipment, electrical testing equipment, welding equipment and lifting gear.

Hours

You would normally work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime is common, including weekends.

Your time would be split between a workshop and sitework. The job can be physically demanding and some of your work may be underground or at heights, for instance when repairing cranes.

You would usually have to travel from job to job, and you could be working away from home for weeks at a time.

Income

• Trainees can earn around £12,000 a year.
• Experienced plant mechanics can earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
• Plant workshop managers can earn between £30,000 and £40,000.

Overtime and various allowances can increase these amounts. Self-employed plant mechanics negotiate their own pay rates.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You may be able to start work as a trainee mechanic on an Apprenticeship scheme. The main way to embark on a career as a plant mechanic is through an apprenticeship. The average age to begin this is between 16 and 18, and usually requires 4 GCSEs (A-C) / Standard Grades (1-3), including Maths, Technology and Science. Prior to starting the apprenticeship, you are likely to be given tests on technical and mechanical understanding. Good communication skills are beneficial as you will be working with clients and operators. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

Alternatively you could take a college course in vehicle mechanics before looking for work, such as:

• City & Guilds Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (4101)
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Technology.

You would need normal colour vision. A driving licence may be necessary for some jobs.

You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience or qualifications in LGV mechanics or mechanical and electrical engineering maintenance. See the profile for Engineering Maintenance Fitter for more details about this role.

For more general information about careers in this field, visit the ConstructionSkills website and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) website.

Training and development

You would usually train under the supervision of an experienced mechanic, with day or block release to a local college or training provider. You may be able to take the NVQ in Plant Maintenance at levels 1 to 3. Units include:

• identifying faults
• servicing, maintaining and repairing plant and equipment
• testing repairs
• dismantling and assembling plant and equipment parts
• providing technical advice to construction plant users.

Depending on your job role, you could also work towards the NVQ in Maintaining Plant and Systems (Mechanical) at Level 3, which covers similar areas to the NVQ above. For more details, contact the ECITB.

You could continue to improve your skills and knowledge by attending specialist training courses offered by manufacturers of machinery.

Safety Passport (CCNSG)

The ECITB has information about a range of work-based training programmes for employees, including the two-day Safety Passport (CCNSG - Client/Contractor National Safety Group). See the CCNSG website for more details and a list of training providers.

• CCNSG

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. To get your card you must:

• pass a health and safety assessment
• have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.

If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS for further details or visit the Construction Skills website:

• On-Site Assessment and Training
• Experienced Worker Practical Assessment

Skills and knowledge

• excellent mechanical maintenance skills
• a willingness to keep up to date with changing technology
• a methodical approach to solving problems
• an awareness of health and safety issues
• a reasonable level of fitness
• the ability to work alone without direct supervision.

More information

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)
Blue Court
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
www.ecitb.org.uk

SkillsDirect
Tel: 0344 994 4499
www.cskills.org/supportbusiness/cardschemes/skillsdirect

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Tel: 0844 576 8777
www.cscs.uk.com

Construction Skills CITB
Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 0344 994 4400
www.cskills.org

Opportunities

You could work for civil engineering or building contractors, plant hire companies, service dealerships and distributors and machine manufacturers.

With experience, you could progress to construction plant technician, technical service representative, site supervisor or site manager. You could also set up your own business.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

• bConstructive
• Construction Jobs Network
• Directgov (Jobseekers page)