Plant operator what is it

Employed individuals can also undertake on the job training and assessment to earn qualification for operation of a specific type of equipment or machinery. Plant operators almost always work full-time and are required on all sorts of projects in a variety of industries, meaning there are opportunities with private and public entities in both urban and rural areas all over Australia. What to expect Plant operators are commonly faced with the following responsibilities: Preparing and positioning machinery prior to operation Choosing, fitting, operating and removing any attachments Using controls to perform tasks safely and efficiently Manoeuvring machinery to, from and around work sites Monitoring gauges and controls to ensure machinery is operating correctly Working from drawings, specifications and verbal instruction Cleaning, lubricating, servicing and refuelling machinery Performing minor repairs if and when required Work is mainly conducted outdoors, so weather conditions and other aspects of the physical environment can have a significant impact on the job.

Education and training There are two major pathways to a career in plant operation, both suitable in different circumstances. The job role of a plant operator involves the following duties: Using and degree excavators Moving earth with excavators, bulldozers and dumper trucks Loading shovels Operating giant cranes and working with slinger signallers via radio Levelling out areas with compactors Using piling rigs and concrete pumps Using forklifts to unload and move materials around the site Carrying out safety checks and keeping machines running properly Changing buckets and other machine attachments Working on building sites doing noisy, physically demanding and messy work.

How much could you earn as a plant operator? The expected salary for a plant operator varies as you become more experienced. Apprenticeships in Scotland Apply for apprenticeships in Scotland.

Apprenticeships in Wales Apply for apprenticeships in Wales. Speak to an advisor today 8ampm. Talent Retention Scheme Search permanent and contract roles, find apprenticeships. Check out the latest Plant Operator vacancies: Indeed Total Jobs Reed As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary.

Career path and progression You could progress into construction or plant management and earn a higher salary. Related roles Diamond drilling operative One of the most highly-skilled construction jobs, diamond drillers are in charge of cutting through the toughest materials on the project.

For more click here. One of the best jobs to begin your career in construction, you'll be helping with every aspect of the building process. Click here to find out more. Land Drilling Operatives are responsible for assessing the construction site before work starts. Construction plant mechanics maintain, repair and inspect construction equipment.

Find a range of Tunnelling Operative roles. Progression Opportunities Explore the progression opportunities below Current role Plant operator Considering a career as a plant operator? Find out more about qualifications, tr Read more More information - Plant operator. Current role Plant manager A construction plant manager takes charge of heavy machinery used in constructio Read more More information - Plant manager.

More information - Plant mechanic. Current role Contracts manager During a construction project, the contracts manager overseas the contracts proc Read more More information - Contracts manager.

More information - Setting out engineer. More information - Further Education FE tutor. Did you find what you were looking for? What brings you to Go Construct today? It is also best practice to start getting some hands-on experience as that is seriously valuable for trade and manual based roles. However, your hours can vary and you may be required to work evenings and weekends as and when projects require it. This overtime gives you an opportunity to boost your earnings.

It can be noisy, dirty and hazardous, so safety equipment is essential. With the right training and experience, you could progress into construction management or site supervision role.

You could also move into a plant coordinator role, which involves deciding which machinery is needed for specific jobs and assessing new equipment.