Luke
Plant Mechanic
See what a real apprentice has to say about working in the construction industry.
At a glance
RolePlant Mechanic
Aged: 25
Subject of study: I’m studying for an apprenticeship in Plant Maintenance/Mechanics at the National Construction College East in Bircham Newton.
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Which company do you work for?
I work for my Dad's company, Safe T Reach Access Platforms. We
work in the hiring, sales and servicing of mobile elevated work
platforms, machines known in the trade as scissor lifts and cherry
pickers, which tradespeople can use to work at height safely.
What do you do day-to-day?
My daily job consists of various things. I do a bit of lorry
driving, breakdowns and repairs of our machines. We also look after
other people's machines and tests and inspections as well.
What's the coolest thing you've done so
far?
The best thing I've done here is strip down a V8 Cummins engine
to a bare shell, take all the components out of it, measure it up,
repair any that were damaged and put it back together again, fire
it up and made sure it worked. Which it did!
What would you say to anyone who wanted to try
this?
I would say that this is the best place you can come and learn
if you want to get in to this sort of trade. It's hands-on. It's
theory work. It's the best place in the country. All the kit gets
donated here either brand new or in very good condition. The tutors
have all been in the trade so you can't go wrong with the
training.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years time, hopefully if everything goes to plan, I
should be running my family's company, hopefully with Dad taking a
back seat, maybe having a few people underneath me.