Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship Level 2

A construction plant operative works in the construction, infrastructure and built environment industry.

The broad purpose of the construction plant operative apprentice is to check, prepare and operate a number of construction machines (known as plant) that is used onsite in the construction sector including on railways, demolition and utility works (water/gas/electricity supply).  

Construction plant apprentices operate machines that carry out a number of different types of work, such as a 360 degree excavator, dumpers, ride on rollers 'rolls' and forklifts. On this apprenticeship, the operative will further undertake a range of non-operational activities with each machine such as the checking, maintaining and cleaning of their machine. They will also learn to direct and guide other plant and vehicles; for example, directing the driver of a dump truck where to position themselves when being loaded by the excavator and will further learn how to signal and marshal other plant and vehicles undertaking site deliveries, carry out checks on the work they do and finally help load their plant onto or off a transporter when being delivered to another site.

The operative will work on construction and civil engineering sites and will be required to travel to and from the site either on a daily or weekly basis. The operative may work on infrastructure projects such as a new motorway or high-speed rail line, giving the operative the opportunity to be involved in high-profile national projects. They will work alongside other workers such a ground workers who directly help the plant operator by, for example, providing signals and attaching and detaching ancillary equipment. The plant operative however remains in principle ultimately responsible for the execution and completion of the tasks they are undertaking.