What's involved

A plant mechanic looks after the machinery found on a construction site, ensuring that everything is running properly and making repairs where necessary. They are crucial to construction projects as machinery that isn't working can hold up jobs and lose companies thousands of pounds.

The work is done in either a workshop or on site, depending on the requirements of the repairs, so plant mechanics have to be constantly aware of health and safety issues.

Skills required

A technical mind is essential and you should enjoy working with machines. Good communication skills are also important as you will be working with clients and operators.

You also need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to work alone without direct supervision.

Qualifications required

There are no formal requirements although it would help to have Maths and English Standard Grades.

Salary ranges

(This is a guide to the average salary a fully qualified and experienced person might expect to get.)

£15,000 - £25,000

Progression routes

There are a wide range of opportunities for plant mechanics to work on a construction site or workshop.

If you decide to progress into supervisory, design or management roles there are opportunities to study for:

• Technical, supervisory and  management SVQ qualifications (SCQF Levels 8,9,11)
• HNC Construction or a number of other built environment HNC/HND qualifications (SCQF Levels 7 or 8)
• Degree level qualifications in a number of construction disciplines (SCQF Levels 9 to 12)

Find out more about this role from an apprentice's point of view.