Just some of your
CAREER choices
Discover a career in
the civil industry as a…
PLANT
MECHANIC
A Plant Mechanic gets to maintain and fix lots of different mobile and fixed machinery and equipment. Keeping all those big and small pieces of plant working on construction sites is busy job.
THE ROLE
The earthmoving and other plant (machines) the industry uses includes electric, petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, computers, even SATNAV.
As a plant mechanic your job will involve working in a workshop where all this different machinery is brought to you, or you could be required to go out on site and maintain and repair it in the field.
THE CAREER
WHERE WILL YOU WORK?
Everywhere! Everywhere there is civil construction and maintenance work there is always a need for plant mechanics.
WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?
You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and even some government agencies, all have plant that needs maintenance and repair.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Modern procedures and equipment are very, very safe and have many safety features which allows plant mechanics to work safely with machines.
IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?
It’s challenging, but not overly complex. You will need to be trained in the equipment you work on, but when starting out your employer will train you on the job with each new piece of machinery. As technology improves, you will keep learning more.
IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?
Fixing machinery may take some effort, but machines do the heavy lifting nowdays! Everyone is different and employers know that… what is more important is that you are careful, and stay safe.
Just some of your
CAREER choices
THE TRAINING
IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND DOES IT COST YOU?
Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.
IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?
Yes, quite a few depending on what you are interested in.
CAN YOU GET A TRADE?
Yes. Diesel Mechanic, Electrician, and Plant Operator are all trades.
REQUIREMENTS
WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?
People who like fixing things with their hands and like being outdoors.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?
You can start from the earliest legal minimum working age!
WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?
There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?
No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!
THE FUTURE
IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?
Yes! This is a great starting point and you will have lots of options. You could become a plant manager, set up your own business or even become an engineer.
CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?
Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IV’s, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!
CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?
Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering related courses.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
There are a few options… Many work for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start directly in a workshop or to even take an Apprentice. We suggest if you are more interested in fixing the machines than operating them… tell your prospective employer this!