Concrete Plant Apprentice

Heidelberg Materials UK; West of England; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK offers a concrete plant apprenticeship designed to develop practical, hands-on skills in a leading construction materials business. You will learn batching, plant operations and environmental controls while working closely with experienced mentors on a busy site.

As part of the programme, you will complete stock checks, maintenance records and safety documentation, with a clear pathway to long-term career progression within Heidelberg Materials.

Qualifications

• Candidate must enjoy practical, hands-on work.
• Good communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Willingness to learn and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Load aggregate using a loading shovel and assist with plant operations.
• Support routine plant inspections and maintenance activities.
• Keep plant areas, buildings and equipment clean and well maintained.
• Assist with environmental controls, dust suppression and water discharge monitoring.

Skills

Hands-on

Teamwork

Safety conscious

Education

GCSE Maths & English (C or 4+)

National apprenticeship qualification

Job description

• Understanding site layout, storage areas, drainage systems, traffic management, and safe working practices.
• Operating a wheeled loading shovel to transport and load materials into the plant.
• Carrying out routine housekeeping duties to keep the site safe, clean, and organised.
• Assisting with plant maintenance and inspections.
• Supporting the safe and efficient running of the site in line with Health & Safety and environmental legislation.

Phase 2: Developing Concrete Production Expertise As your confidence grows, you'll learn how high-quality concrete is produced by:

• Operating computerised batching systems.
• Producing concrete to industry quality standards and QSRMC requirements.
• Supporting compliance with ISO 9001 quality management standards.
• Assisting with plant servicing and preventative maintenance activities.
• Completing operational, environmental, and health and safety documentation.

As a Concrete Plant Apprentice, you will:

• Load aggregate bins using a loading shovel.
• Support routine plant inspections and maintenance activities.
• Keep plant equipment, buildings, and work areas clean, safe, and well maintained.
• Assist with environmental controls, including waste management, dust suppression, and water discharge monitoring.
• Help ensure sufficient stock levels are available to meet production requirements.
• Learn how to inspect incoming materials and carry out stock checks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
• Work closely with the Plant Supervisor to identify and report defects.
• Complete maintenance records and operational documentation accurately.
• Report any issues affecting safety, quality, customer service, or environmental performance.
• Follow Heidelberg Materials policies and procedures at all times.
• Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the apprenticeship programme and training objectives.

We're looking for individuals who:

• Enjoy practical, hands‑on work.
• Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Can work safely and follow procedures.
• Have good communication and teamwork skills.
• Are reliable, motivated, and committed to completing an apprenticeship programme.
• Are interested in construction materials, manufacturing, engineering, or operations.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Ability to travel to college on a day‑release basis and attend site each day.
• A nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification.
• Hands‑on experience in a leading construction materials business.
• Training on industry‑standard plant equipment and technology.
• Support from experienced mentors and operational leaders.
• Opportunities for long‑term career progression within Heidelberg Materials.
• A strong foundation in health and safety, quality, environmental management, and operational excellence.

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.

We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation. At Heidelberg Materials, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We believe that different perspectives strengthen our business and help us deliver better results for our customers and communities.

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