Plant Operator

The Job  

Plant operators get to use the large machinery associated with building and construction, including excavators and bulldozers, cranes, forklifts and telescopic handlers. Plant operators can move hundreds of tonnes of earth in a day or shift some extremely heavy loads.

The People  

A plant operator’s role is a real ‘hands on’ job, where you get to operate machinery, often away from home. With such large machines in use, health and safety is absolutely imperative.

Entry Requirements  

There are no specific academic qualifications required, although a knowledge of vehicle engineering and GCSEs / Standard Grades in Maths, English and Technology may be helpful. You will need to be 18 to undertake this training.

Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you earn while you learn. Entry to this scheme will usually require you to take a selection test. You will then be given practical on-site experience and work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2.

The Benefits  

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer.

Employment as a plant operator is also a good grounding for progression into supervisory roles, and many plant operators go on to set up their own business.