Plant Operative Apprentice

The Casey Group Ltd; Wardle; On-site; GBP 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction firm in the UK is offering an apprenticeship for aspiring plant operators. The role involves hands-on experience with machinery under supervision. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication, organization, problem-solving skills, and a driving license. The apprenticeship offers a salary starting at £15,311.40 annually with structured training on construction plant operations.

Qualifications

• Driving Licence and access to travel required.
• Candidates must be 18+ due to insurance.

Responsibilities

• Support Groundwork Activities.
• Operate Plant Machinery under supervision.
• Work in accordance with health, safety, welfare and environmental requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Problem solving skills

Team working

Patience

Punctuality

Job description

Working closely with the groundwork teams, learners will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience operating a range of plant machinery, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of site operations.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Support Groundwork Activities.
• Assist with basic site preparation tasks such as digging, levelling, and trenching.
• Learn how to read site plans and follow instructions from supervisors.
• Shadow Experienced Operatives.
• Observe and learn from qualified groundwork and plant operatives.
• Ask questions and take notes to build an understanding of site operations.
• Operate Plant Machinery (Under Supervision).
• Gain supervised experience using machinery such as mini excavators, dumpers, and rollers.
• Extract information from a variety of sources for basic servicing, checks, operational and maintenance requirements.
• Select and use tools, lubricants and equipment required for operator-level maintenance, checks, servicing and configuration requirements.
• Identify and apply information from a range of sources so that the machine is set for the work and for the work to be carried out.
• Identify and source materials, equipment and consumables for operational requirements.
• Prepare and set the machine for travelling purposes.
• Travel the machine across a range of ground, surfaces and in a range of operational environments and conditions inc. where relevant on inclines, and on and from a transporter.
• Plan, configure and set the machine to carry out the required work activity.
• Operate the machine in accordance with given instructions for excavating, compacting, loading, lifting, moving, discharging and placing activities relevant to the machine being used.
• Identify, use and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supporting staff and supervisors to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
• Carry out checks (through self and with others) that the work being carried out meets the job requirements and timescales.
• Position, configure and shut down the machine when work activities cease and isolate and secure the machine and relevant equipment and structures to prevent unauthorised use or access.
• Marshall the movements of a range of plant and delivery vehicles for positioning and safe movement requirements.
• Assist in the setting up, configuring and positioning of plant to carry out specific work functions.
• Assist in preparing and securing a transporter and the items of plant during the loading and unloading activity for transportation purposes.
• Work in accordance with health, safety, welfare and environmental requirements, evaluate the working area and activity according to static and dynamic risk assessments and method statements, and report on unsafe situations following organisational procedures.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Patience
• Punctuality

Other requirements include a Driving Licence and access to travel. Candidates must be 18+ due to insurance.

About the company: Founded in 1968 by Peter Casey, our Chairman, the Casey Group has grown to its current position by responding positively to an ever changing marketplace and legislative controls.

Salary and benefits: £15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices. The apprenticeship includes a construction plant operative (level 2) training course.

Working hours: Between 8am - 4.30pm, Mon - Thurs, 3.30pm finish Fridays. ½hr for lunch. 39 hours a week.

Start date: Monday 3 November 2025. Duration: 1 year 3 months.