Plant Operator Jobs
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Plant Operator jobs involve the use of heavy machinery on construction sites, at roadworks, in quarries and in mechanical workshops. Plant Operators not only operate and maintain earth-moving and construction equipment but drive it as well. Working on construction sites, they can move hundreds of tons of earth in a day or shift extremely heavy loads. In addition to the proper working of the equipment, a Plant Operator may also be responsible for the safety of those working around them.
The machinery utilised in Plant Operator jobs on construction sites includes excavators, bulldozers and dumper trucks for digging and moving soil and rock. Plant Operators may use static tower cranes for lifting building materials or mobile cranes which travel on roads to the site where they are required. They may also use cranes on rails, working in factories and shipyards, and lorry-mounted loaders. Although the average working week is 37 hours, work on building sites can be seasonal. The work of Plant Operators is mainly carried out in a driver's cab, sometimes at heights. Conditions can be hot, dusty, noisy or muddy. A full driving licence is often essential for this role. Plant Operators should have a practical aptitude for machinery, have stamina, agility and be able to work at heights, have a steady hand and have good eyesight. CITB-ConstructionSkills provides plant operator training which must be done through an employer. Training is mainly provided on the job with a day or block release at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ/SVQ qualifications. Plant Operator jobs in the construction industry will also have to register for the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS).