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Plant operator jobs are plentiful in the UK construction industry for people at various stages of their careers.

Continue reading to learn more about the abilities you'll need to work as a plant operator and to see if it's the perfect job for you.

Plant operator positions entail what?

Plant operators work on building sites with heavy machinery and equipment. The equipment you're in charge of varies based on the work, however it could be any of the following:

Forklifts

Bulldozers

Cranes: mobile, crawler, and tower

Compactors

Excavators with 180- and 360-degree rotation

Pumps for concrete

Trucks that dump

rigs for piling

Telescopic operators

Plant operator positions are needed in a wide range of construction projects, from home construction to road construction to demolition and quarries.

You'll also be responsible for performing daily safety inspections on the machines you're working with. You'll frequently become a specialist in one type of machinery as your career progresses.

How much does a plant operator make?

The size, scope, and type of the project on which you're working determine your income as a plant operator. It differs from one employer to the next. However, you may expect to earn between £14,000 and £19,000 per year in an entry-level position, rising to £30,000 as you get more expertise. Plant operators with the highest experience might earn up to £35,000 per year.

These values should only be used as a guide.

What abilities do I require?

It's vital to have a decent level of general health for this job because it can be physically demanding, with regular heavy lifting and climbing into and out of taxis. To manage huge machinery safely, you'll also need exceptional hand-eye coordination and physical dexterity.

Because you'll be performing daily safety inspections and taking responsibility for your machinery, it's critical that you're up to date on both the machinery and the most recent health and safety procedures.

You must be able to decipher and follow specific instructions, as well as operate alone and as part of a team.

What are the requirements for becoming a Plant Operator?

To become a plant operator, there are no formal criteria. Many firms, however, will require GCSEs in topics including English, Maths, and Design and Technology.

They may also want vocational degrees such as a Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, an NVQ in Plant Operations, or City & Guilds 2764.

Apprenticeship programs, in which you study for an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations, are another common path into the business.

It helps if you can show companies that you've worked in the business before, operating equipment and machinery, and that you have a thorough understanding of mechanics.

Finally, if you're planning to work on a construction site, you'll need a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card as well as a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

What types of courses and training are available to help me become a plant operator?

You can enroll in a variety of courses and training to guarantee that you are in the best possible position when applying for Plant Operator positions. CPCS plant training is one of the most popular courses offered by the organization. They also provide training for NPORS, CSCS, IPAF, CPC Driver, and ITSSAR. These may appear daunting at first, but they cover everything from absolute beginners to NVQ level 2 and beyond. Each course aids in the shaping and development of your construction career path at any point, so it's never too late to enroll!

There is a course for everyone, whether it is cranes and specialist lifting, earth moving/transportation, or processing and compacting. It's also a good idea to obtain some hands-on experience, which is quite valuable in trade and manual labor jobs.

If you pursue a construction plant operator intermediate apprenticeship or a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship if you want to work with cranes particularly, you could be compensated to gain experience.

What are the hours of operation and the conditions?

Monday through Friday, you'll work between 37 and 40 hours per week. Your hours, however, may vary, and you may be requested to work evenings and weekends as needed by projects. This extra work allows you to increase your revenue.

The majority of your work will be done outside, so you'll be exposed to all types of weather. Working with cranes, for example, will need you to work at high heights. Safety equipment is needed because it can be noisy, messy, and dangerous.

Career advancement

You could advance into construction management or site supervision with the correct training and experience. You could also work as a plant coordinator, determining which machinery is required for specific tasks and evaluating new equipment.

This profession also offers the possibility of moving into construction site estimation or plant hire and equipment sales.