Construction Plant Fitting – Apprenticeships
A construction plant fitter is a skilled technician who services, diagnoses and resolves technical concerns in mobile equipment used in materials handling for the off -road and on-road construction, excavation, mining, forestry and waste management industries.
The work of a Construction Plant Fitter includes:
•Carrying out the routine service procedures as recommended by the manufacturers
•Diagnosing and resolving problems with the operation of the mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems of machines and equipment such as tracked excavators, forklifts, cranes etc.
•Carrying out all work in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
The work of a Construction Plant Fitter includes:
•Carrying out the routine service procedures as recommended by the manufacturers
•Diagnosing and resolving problems with the operation of the mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems of machines and equipment such as tracked excavators, forklifts, cranes etc.
•Carrying out all work in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
Note: Experience has shown that higher grades of entry than those suggested by SOLAS are preferred for the Electrical Apprenticeship, due to the technical nature of the Electrical trade.
Employers typically seek applicants who have completed Leaving Cert including Maths (with at least a grade C3 in Ordinary Level Maths) and preferably Physics.
Work Aspects
Learning and developing new craft-related skills, knowledge and competencies
•Working with and learning from experienced Craftspersons
•Comply with Health and Safety requirements
•Working with machines and mechanical equipment
•Accepting responsibility for the quality of own work
•Being physically active
•Using the special service tools, materials and equipment
•Reading and interpreting technical instructions and diagrams
•Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical systems
•Dismantling, examining and re-assembling mechanical systems and components
•Testing electrical and electronic systems and components
•Record and communicate accurate work records or reports
•Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
•Being responsible for controlling or adjusting the operation of equipment
•Driving machines/vehicles
•Working evenings or weekends
•Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals, skills demonstration)
•Earning as you learn
Phase 1: With Employer
•Induction Training
•Introduction to Health & Safety
•Introduction to Tools & Equipment
•Introduction to Basic Skills
•Induction Training
•Introduction to Health & Safety
•Introduction to Tools & Equipment
•Introduction to Basic Skills
Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 weeks)
Course Content:
•Induction
•Engines
•Transmissions
•Plant Electrics
•Hydraulics
•Plant Vehicles
•Small Plant
•Related Theory
Course Content:
•Induction
•Engines
•Transmissions
•Plant Electrics
•Hydraulics
•Plant Vehicles
•Small Plant
•Related Theory
Phase 3: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)
Course Content:
•Engines
•Transmissions
•Plant Electrics
•Hydraulics
•Plant Vehicles
•Small Plant
•Related Theory
Course Content:
•Engines
•Transmissions
•Plant Electrics
•Hydraulics
•Plant Vehicles
•Small Plant
•Related Theory
Phase 5: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks)
Course Content:
•Engines
•Transmissions
•Plant Electrics
•Hydraulics
•Wheeled and Tracked Plant
•Related Theory
Course Content:
•Engines
•Transmissions
•Plant Electrics
•Hydraulics
•Wheeled and Tracked Plant
•Related Theory
Phase 7: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed.
On successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Construction Plant Fitting
As a Construction Plant Fitter you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.
An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail.
The Construction Plant Fitter must have the ability to:
An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail.
The Construction Plant Fitter must have the ability to:
•Plan and organise
•Communicate effectively
•Solve problems
•Work independently and as part of a team
•Show a positive attitude
•Recognise the need for good customer relations
•Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Construction Plant Fitter must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.
•Communicate effectively
•Solve problems
•Work independently and as part of a team
•Show a positive attitude
•Recognise the need for good customer relations
•Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Construction Plant Fitter must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
or
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
or
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable
Note: These are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential:
•Mathematics
•Technical Drawing/Graphics
•Metalwork
•Technology
•Physics
•Technical Drawing/Graphics
•Metalwork
•Technology
•Physics
Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Construction Plant Fitter must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.
Note: Experience has shown that higher grades of entry than those suggested by SOLAS are preferred for the Electrical Apprenticeship, due to the technical nature of the Electrical trade.
Employers typically seek applicants who have completed Leaving Cert including Maths (with at least a grade C3 in Ordinary Level Maths) and preferably Physics.
You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.
•The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
•The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
Note: Construction and Plant Fitter Apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.
•The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
Note: Construction and Plant Fitter Apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.
Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.
Many craftspersons use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.