Apprenticeship training course

Construction plant operative (level 2)

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Information about Construction plant operative (level 2)

Check, prepare and operate a number of construction machines (known as plant) that is used onsite in the construction sector including on railways, demolition and utility works (water/gas/electricity supply).

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The operator-level servicing, checks and maintenance requirements for the range of plant.
  • How tools and equipment for maintenance, checks, servicing and configuration requirements are to be used and maintained.
  • How to extract information from the operator’s manual and electronic readout systems for to prepare and use the machine effectively.
  • How site plans and work programmes are devised, used and disseminated to relevant parties and how they determine how the work is to be carried out.
  • What resources and ancillary equipment the machine will require to carry out core operational functions.
  • The function and use of all controls, gauges, switches and performance aids to carry out machine operations.
  • The characteristics, functions, uses and limitations of use of the relevant item of plant.
  • The factors that affect the stability and safe operation of the relevant item of plant.
  • How the machine should be manoeuvred and set for operational activities.
  • What the hazards and requirements are for manoeuvring the machine around construction sites and working environment.
  • The types of planning and communication methods that are relevant and effective in a variety of work situations.
  • The purpose and layout of site traffic plans, the working areas, exclusions zones and authorized passages for the movement.
  • The types of hand signals and verbal instructions (inc. radio use) required for the movement of plant and vehicles.
  • The manoeuvring characteristics, limitations of manoeuvrability and visibility limitations of plant, supporting plant and delivery vehicles.
  • How a transporter needs to be set to allow the loading and unloading of plant.
  • The dangers and precautions when loading and unloading plant from a vehicle bed.
  • The securing procedures required for a range of plant including tracked, wheeled and smooth-drum types.
  • The health, safety, wellbeing and environmental requirements and considerations that apply for operational and maintenance activities, such as the control of diesel and oil spills, and reporting procedures for unsafe or environmental situations.
  • Relevant legislation and regulations including Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER, LOLER, COSHH and the requirements for, and devising of static and dynamic risk assessments, method statements, COSHH-based assessments and permit-to-work systems.

  Skills

  • 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.

  Behaviours

  • Health and Safety-first attitude - Is aware of the importance of following procedures and following guidance of senior members of the team due to the many risks and hazards present in the work environment and acts in accordance to H & S requirements, constantly evaluating the operation for hazards and takes appropriate actions whilst following safe systems of work, avoids taking short cuts that may increase risks.
  • Working effectively - Undertakes the work in a reliable and productive manner.
  • Positive customer relationships - Behaves in accordance with the values of the employer; treats customers and stakeholders with courtesy and responds quickly to their requirements, forming and enhancing customer relationships, creating and maintaining effective working and commercial relationships.
  • Teamwork and independent working - Working and engaging collaboratively and effectively with co-workers of different occupations to achieve requisite results safely and efficiently and safe working, and achieving those results through independence, resourcefulness and ability, operates as an effective team member and under supervision, takes responsibility, accountability and ownership of their own actions and for the completion their own work.
  • Attitude and discipline - Adopts a professional approach to the work and to colleagues and clients and shows professionalism whilst being polite and courteous to peers, managers, clients, general public and others, questions and challenges others when procedures are not being followed.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Construction and the built environment
• Qualification level: 2; Equal to GCSE
• Course duration: 15 months
• Maximum funding: £14,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Machine Driver
  • Machine driver
  • Equipment operator
  • Plant operator
  • Dozer operator
  • Concrete pump operator
  • Dump truck operator
  • Note: each of these titles is supported by the machine type e.g. 360 excavator operator

View more information about Construction plant operative (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.