Plant & Machinery Operator
Plant and machinery operators use heavy equipment such as excavators, dumper trucks, bulldozers and forklifts. Depending on the job, you could dig trenches, move earth and materials, level ground or help prepare foundations.
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- Carry out safety checks on machinery
- Dig trenches using excavators
- Move soil and other materials using bulldozers or dumper trucks
- Use compactors to level and firm up the ground
- Unload and move building materials using a forklift
- Fit and change excavator buckets and other attachments
- Operate piling rigs or concrete pumps for foundation work
- Operate a crane while following radio instructions from a slinger or signaller
Skills & knowledge
You'll need:
- The ability to control machinery safely and accurately
- Good concentration and attention to detail
- Clear spoken communication skills
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An understanding of site safety and how to work safely around others
- A basic understanding of building and construction
- The ability to carry out simple tasks on a computer or handheld device
Industry Qualifications
You could start as a construction labourer or groundworker and build up site experience before training to operate machinery through your employer. A course in construction or plant operations can help you prepare for a trainee role. If you already have experience in construction or operating heavy machinery, you may be able to apply directly.
Employers may ask for a plant operator card for the type of machinery you’ll be using. Check which card they accept for the role. The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) and the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) explain their operator cards and categories.
For work on construction sites on the Isle of Man, you may also complete site safety training and obtain the relevant CSCS card or certificate.
These 'cards' are often referred to as ‘tickets’.