Guide
What's a plant operator and how do I be one?
The construction industry is one of the largest sectors of the UK economy, employing 2.2 million people and generating an output of £64.7 billion annually. Right now, there’s a demand for plant operators. But what is a plant operator, and how do you become one?
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 23 August 2019 | 0 min read
This article is part of our Getting Into Construction series.
What Is A Plant Operator?
Construction firms need people who can operate heavy machinery. A plant operator is someone who can use vehicles to lift, dig and transport materials on a building site.
Plant operators have a varied role. Their work includes the following:
Plant operators have a varied role. Their work includes the following:
Control of large construction vehicles
Plant operators pilot a range of construction vehicles, including excavators, diggers, compactors, dumper trucks, and bulldozers. Plant operatives need special driving skills across a range of specialist vehicles.
Perform vehicle maintenance
With training, plant operatives learn how to maintain and sometimes service the vehicles they operate. Construction firms will expect you to be an expert in the workings of machinery you operate.
Working at height
Plant operatives will something be called to work at height, such as operating a crane.
How Do You Become A Plant Operative?
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a plant operative. However, most employers will expect you to have GCSEs in maths and English, as well as perhaps related subjects, like design-technology.
Plant operatives can earn more money than regular site labourers, but most companies will demand that you have at least some on-site experience before taking you on full-time. Getting work as a site operative, therefore, means that you may have to work in another position before applying. A good route into becoming a plant operative is to begin work as a general operative and then use opportunities as they come along to train with plant equipment. Over time, you’ll learn about the rules of the construction site, how to work safely, and how construction sites organise themselves.
Plant operatives can earn more money than regular site labourers, but most companies will demand that you have at least some on-site experience before taking you on full-time. Getting work as a site operative, therefore, means that you may have to work in another position before applying. A good route into becoming a plant operative is to begin work as a general operative and then use opportunities as they come along to train with plant equipment. Over time, you’ll learn about the rules of the construction site, how to work safely, and how construction sites organise themselves.
What about apprenticeships?
Another good way to become a plant operator is to become one through a company apprenticeship. Apprentices work towards nationally-recognised SVQ/NVQ level qualifications in plant operations. The purpose of the training is to teach apprentices how to operate machinery and abide by current health and safety legislation standards. As part of your work, you’ll learn about your role and responsibility in maintaining and managing equipment.
Once you’re fully trained as a plant operative, you can expect to earn between £19,000 and £25,000. People who choose careers as plant operatives can go on to make between £25,000 and £30,000 per year. And those who achieve senior positions may earn up to £40,000.
Once you’re fully trained as a plant operative, you can expect to earn between £19,000 and £25,000. People who choose careers as plant operatives can go on to make between £25,000 and £30,000 per year. And those who achieve senior positions may earn up to £40,000.
Conclusion
Becoming a plant operative is a relatively straightforward process. One of the best strategies is to start as a general operative and then ask for opportunities to pilot vehicles. Once you do this, the firm (or another company) may take you on as an apprentice, helping you get proper accreditation. After a short training period, you come away with a qualification you can put to use on the construction site.