What work does an Construction Plant Fitter do?

Construction Plant Fitters service and maintain all the heavy equipment and machinery used on construction plants and vehicles.  The work can be quite varied and take in machinery such as diggers and excavators to a crane.  The fitter will service the machine and replace or repair any faulty parts.

Plant fitters are concerned with all the mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic aspects of construction machinery.  Very often the work is carried out on site due to the nature of the machinery being worked with.

What skills and qualities are needed to work in Construction Plant Fitting?

Construction Plant Fitters require decent level of fitness and be good with their hands.  A good knowledge of Health and Safety is also important.  Due to the nature of the work, being a good problem solver is a key skill in order to be able to diagnose and repair the faults. Construction Plant Fitters should have good communication skills in order to listen to the customer and explain the work that is needed.  They must also be comfortable working both as part of a team and also on their own.

Where will I be based for my Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job training with the schedule agreed between the employer, the apprentice and your local ETB.  The Construction Plant Fitter apprenticeship is four years in duration and when completed the apprentice will have a Level 6 qualification.  Your local ETB may have information on employers looking for apprentices.  Some of the key elements that you will concentrate on over the four years are-

• Introduction to Tools and Equipment
• Basic Skills
• Regulations, Health & Safety
• Engines

• Hydraulics
• Transmissions
• Wheeled and tracked plant
• Related Theory

What is the Pay/Job market like?

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and the rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.  Construction Plant Fitting apprentices are required to pay €1,000 for Stage 4 and €1,000 for Stage 6 as a student contribution for this apprenticeship.  Qualified Construction Plant Fitter salaries can range between €24k - €50k per year depending on experience and the career has been identified as a Job in Demand according to the latest National Skills Bulletin.

How do I secure an Apprenticeship contract?

To be eligible to apply for this apprenticeship you must be employed by an approved employer and be at least 16 years of age.  Education requirements are five Grade D or Achieved grades in the Junior Certificate, an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course or at least three years work experience in a related industrial activity.

Explore our Live apprenticeship area to find out what other employers are actively looking for apprentices. 

Where can I get more information?

More information can be found on the Construction Plant Fitter apprenticeship and career pages or on this brochure.

You may also like to explore our Career Sector area, watch some related videos or search our CourseFinder using the Apprenticeship filter.    

Further details about apprenticeships can also be found on the official apprenticeship website www.apprenticeship.ie or from your local ETB.

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