Apprenticeships supporting a change in career

The Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship Standard offers a route into construction plant machinery. It teaches learners to check, prepare and operate a number of construction machines. The apprenticeship involves the learning on four common types of construction plant and includes a 360-degree excavator, dumper/dump truck, forklift and ride-on roller.

This Apprenticeship Standard is one route offered by Flannery Plant Hire as part of their drive to develop a strong future talent pipeline to support the construction plant industry. The apprenticeships are delivered from the CITB National Construction College and The Operator Skills Hub, giving learners the chance to utilise training simulators and the latest semi-autonomous vehicles to prepare plant operators and apprentices for the modern-day construction site.

The Operator Skills Hub operates from three sites, in Sutton Coldfield, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire meaning that training can be offered to more people across a wide geographical base.

Learners follow a structured programme, delivered through a blended approach of on and off the job training. They also get to earn a wage while they learn.

Whilst apprenticeships offer a route into work for those just starting out in their career, they’re also a great option for those looking to change careers, as demonstrated by one Flannery Plant Hire apprentice.

Danielle decided to take a dramatic change in her career, having worked as an auditor in a bank before pursuing a career in construction. Females are generally underrepresented within the construction industry, and female construction apprentices are not very common.

Speaking about her apprenticeship, Danielle said: “I expected some resistance as there were some preconceived perceptions that working on-site was a man’s role. That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

After college, Danielle started her site experience on a roller and gradually progressed onto a 30T dump truck.

“I’m given so many opportunities to work on large scale earthworks projects, and I feel like I am a big part of the team. I was awarded the Star of the Future Award for Plant Operator Apprentice of the Year and was delighted! My company believes in me, and I am so excited to be contributing to such an important industry.”

Danielle is looking to progress and become a senior plant operator or a foreman.

“I love mentoring and supporting others. I also want to pursue my ambition to get other females to enter the industry, and I am grateful that Flannery is giving me this opportunity.”

For further information or support with apprenticeships visit www.nocn.org.uk.