Construction plant mechanic
Keep machinery on a construction site, like diggers and dumper trucks, working safely, and fix them if they break down.
About the job
What it's like
You would make sure that large machines and vehicles on a construction site work safely and fix them if they broke down.
You’d maintain and repair plant machinery, such as
Diggers
Bulldozers
Excavators (JCBs)
Cranes
Dumper trucks
Generators
Concrete mixers
You’d regularly inspect different parts of the machines including the engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, electrical systems and tyres to check they are working well.
You would:
Find faults using specialist computer equipment
Explain the problem to the construction workers and managers
Dismantle machinery parts, and repair or replace faulty parts
Reassemble parts and test them to make sure they are working properly and safely
You’d do routine servicing of plant and equipment both on site and in the repair workshop. If you could not fix a machine on site, you’d arrange for it to be moved to the repair workshop.
You would use various hand and power tools, electrical testing equipment, welding equipment and lifting gear.
Hours
You would normally work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime is common, including weekends.
Environment
Your time would be split between a workshop and sitework. The job can be physically demanding and some of your work may be underground or at heights, for instance when repairing cranes.
Travel
You would usually have to travel from job to job, and you could be working away from home for weeks at a time.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- hand tools
- change control
- electrical diagnostics and repairs
- material handling
- pneumatics
- stocks (inventory)
- hydraulics
- machinery repair and maintenance
- transferable skills analysis
- requirements management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A Modern Apprenticeship leading to relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Construction Plant or Machinery Maintenance (SVQ level 2/3).
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary through some employer may require National 4 or National 5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction and practical skills, such as
Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCQF level 3)
Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
You might also need to have the Client/Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport to work in this job.
You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
A full driving licence is usually essential and a special category of licence for driving heavy vehcles is sometimes required.
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