Plant Mechanic Apprentice

Peta Ltd; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic plant hire services company in Portsmouth is seeking a Plant Mechanic Apprentice to join their experienced engineering team. This role offers hands-on training to maintain, service, and repair a variety of plant machinery. Perfect for those aged 18 and above with a keen interest in engineering and a strong work ethic, the position provides opportunities for personal development and full-time employment after the apprenticeship. Company benefits include 28 days holiday, a pension scheme, PPE, and free onsite parking.

Benefits

28 days holiday (Including Bank Holidays)

Pension

PPE provided

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• 2 GCSE’s at grade C (4) or above, or equivalents in maths and English.
• Must demonstrate genuine interest in engineering and willingness to learn.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic team player with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support repairs and routine maintenance of plant machines and equipment.
• Assist with planned checks (PPMs) and day-to-day tasks.
• Report faults and help find and fix issues quickly.
• Log completed jobs using maintenance software.
• Help move and set up machines when needed.

Job description

About The Role

STARTING IN MARCH 2026

Do you enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for detail? Rowlands Plant Hire Services Limited are looking to recruit an exceptional Plant Mechanic Apprentice. This role will give you the opportunity to learn how to maintain, service, and repair a wide range of plant machinery, keeping all equipment in safe and reliable working order.

Training to be provided

As a Plant Mechanic Apprentice, you will be studying a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be supported by your company mentor and your PETA Learning and Development Coach. Your Level 3 programme will include a level 3 Engineering work‑based qualification delivered by PETA, and day release for 24 months to complete a level 3 BTEC technical certificate. Overall duration 48 months.

About the role

Joining the team at Rowlands Plant Hire Services Limited as a Plant Mechanic Apprentice, you will learn from experienced engineers. You will have a wide variety of responsibilities, as part of the role you will:

• Support repairs and routine maintenance of plant machines and equipment
• Assist with planned checks (PPMs), cleaning and day‑to‑day tasks
• Report faults and help find and fix issues quickly
• Keep work areas clean and safe & follow all health & safety rules
• Suggest improvements to help things run better
• Log completed jobs using maintenance software
• Assist with basic electrical tasks and installations
• Help move and set up machines when needed
• Work with and learn from experienced engineers

Career prospects

• Fulltime employment
• Further personal development

Essential skills

An apprenticeship is all about learning new knowledge, skills and behaviours, therefore, to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in engineering and a willingness to learn. To be considered for the role of a Plant Mechanic Apprentice, you will have a keen eye for detail and take pride in completing work to a high‑quality level.

Skills and qualifications

• 2 GCSE’s at grade C (4) or above, or equivalents in maths and English
• Enthusiastic team player
• Self‑motivated and driven
• Good communication skills
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn

Due to insurance purposes, this role can only accept candidates who are 18+.

Desirable criteria

• Good manual dexterity
• Keenness to learn
• Real interest in maintenance
• Good co‑ordination
• Methodical and logical
• Good problem‑solving skills
• Learn through instruction

About Us

Rowlands Plant Hire combines a wide range of high‑quality plant and machinery with exceptional customer service to deliver reliable, efficient solutions across the construction and hire industry. Our passionate and dedicated Engineering team is an integral part of the Rowlands Plant site team. Working closely with the operations team, they ensure all machinery is maintained to the highest standards through a mix of reactive and preventative maintenance, always with a focus on continuous improvement and practical problem‑solving. If you want to kickstart your Engineering career in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, we would love to hear from you.

Company benefits

• 28 days holiday (Including Bank Holidays)
• Pension
• PPE provided
• Free onsite parking

Apply

If you are interested in learning on the job and joining a dynamic team, APPLY now for the Plant Mechanic Apprentice role!