Train to Operate a Fork-Lift with Apprentice Now
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a great way to join an established company and kick start your career. You will have the opportunity to learn directly by industry experts, giving you the benefit of long term salary prospects and progression opportunities. You will benefit from support from your employer, mentor, coaches and the apprenticeship provider, Apprentice Now. One of the greatest benefits of apprenticeships is the opportunity to earn a wage whilst you are gaining a qualification. Below is information on the Construction Operative Apprenticeship.
An Overview of the Construction Operative Apprenticeship Role
What will you be doing on the job?
As a construction operative apprentice you will be working to check, prepare, and operate a number of construction machines (known as plant). The construction machines used onsite in the construction sector including railways, demolition, and utility works (water/gas/electricity supply). During the apprenticeship you will learn on four common types of construction plant, these include a 360-degree excavator, dumper/dump truck, fork-lift, and finally, a ride-on roller. Progression opportunities include training as a lead operator, supervisor, site or plant manager or even setting up your own contracting company.
You will undertake a range of non-operational activities with each machine, for example, checking, maintaining, and cleaning of their machine. Learn to direct and guide other plant and vehicles. Enjoy having the opportunity as an apprentice to learn how to signal and marshal other plant and vehicles. You will also be undertaking site deliveries, carry out checks on the work they do and help load their plant on and off a transporter when required.
What does a day in the life look like?
During your daily work, you will be interacting with a wide range of different people, including the clients, contractors/customers, members of the public, supervisors, other trades people, managers, suppliers, safety professionals, manufacturers and administration staff. You will be working in an outdoor environment in all seasons and weathers. Work patterns will include overnight, weekend and anti-social hours to complete projects which have fixed completion timescales such as roadworks, rail maintenance etc. This is a factor that should be considered when applying.
As an employee in this occupation, you will be responsible for preparing, setting up and operating several designated construction plant types. You will follow a site plan and in most cases, you will be under direct and indirect supervision. However, you will occasionally be the lead operative working with supporting staff. This means you will be the only worker who has full understanding of your machine’s capabilities and limitations. Operating plant is a safety critical activity and means that your actions have a direct and significant consequence to the safety and welfare of others. You should consider the general public. A very high level of burden and responsibility comes with this role.
Construction Job Titles
Some of the typical job titles for this role would include Concrete pump operator, Dozer Operator, Dump Truck Operator, Equipment Operator, Machine Driver, and Plant Operator. When you complete this course, there are many opportunities for progression. Apprentice Now offers a level 4 apprenticeship to train to become a Construction site supervisor. They also offer a range of degree level apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship Details
The Construction Operative Apprenticeship is a level 2 apprenticeship which has a duration of 15 months. During this time frame you will learn knowledge, skills and behaviours that are relevant to the construction industry. It is mandatory that you have valid qualifications in both Maths and English to pass through gateway. You will benefit from support from your employer, coaches and the apprenticeship provider, Apprentice Now. You will also have access to the forum on Apprentice Tips where you can share tips and advice with fellow apprentices. For more information on engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships in the UK, click here.