Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working Life

A construction plant fitter's work can be very varied. For example, one day they could be working on an excavator and the next on a crane.  

Ideally, each machine should have a preventive maintenance schedule. After a specified length of time, for example monthly or quarterly, the plant fitter should execute a series of checks, inspecting for wear and damage, replacing parts known to have a limited life or which are found to be damaged and renewing oil levels.  
Breakdowns normally take priority over maintenance. If a machine breaks down while it is in use, the plant fitter talks with the operator, identifies the fault and diagnoses what may have caused it. The fitter repairs the faulty part or replaces it with a new one. The machine is re-assembled and checked to make sure it is running safely again.  
 
Fitters handle mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic aspects of the machines. They use a wide range of hand and power tools and measuring devices, and refer to technical drawings and manuals.  
 
They record work they have done, and time spent, on daily log sheets.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Learn and follow safety regulations.
• Take actions to avoid potential hasards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
• Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldosers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
• Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
• Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
• Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
• Signal operators to guide movement of tractor-drawn machines.
• Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments or assisting with major repairs as necessary.
• Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using trucks, crawler tractors, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment.
• Drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

There are many pathways into construction plant fitting & maintenance.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering, maintenance, mechanical operations.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, maintenance.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Plant Fitter.

Search for Apprenticeships

How to become an Apprentice 

• 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. 
• In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Entry Requirements

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.

It should be noted that 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 and Physics, Women Apprentices.

Structure of Apprenticeship Training  
An apprentice is required to follow a specific course of training and to undergo a series of assessments to confirm that the required standards have been reached.
 
The apprenticeship normally consists of seven phases of training both On-the-job with the employer and off-the-job in a SOLAS Training Centre or Educational College. You may be scheduled to attend off-the-job training in any SOLAS / Educational College in the country.  
 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €55k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor / Morgan Mckinley / Talent

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Steel erectors Roofers; roof tilers and slaters Glaziers; window fabricators and fitters Construction; building trades fitters n.e.c.; Floorers and wall tilers; Construction and building trades supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in 2022 returned to pre-COVID-19 levels after declining for the previous two years. The Census data shows that employment is spread across a number of roles, all of which increased between 2016 and 2022.

The share aged 55 years and older fell between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022 from 38% to 23%; although still above the national average of 19%, job opportunities through replacement demand have likely lessened. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with sourcing steel fixers/erectors, curtain wallers, and fitters/glaziers with Skills for Growth data suggesting issues with recruiting roofers for the construction sector. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to foremen, fitters/glaziers and tilers.

Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were mainly for glaziers, tilers, roofers/solar panel installers. Roofing awards from QQI totalled 54 in 2022, up slightly compared to 2020 and 2021 but still below their pre-pandemic level of 84. The DFHERIS report notes that it is becoming increasingly common for roofs to be constructed offsite which is likely to have knock-on effects for demand for these skills but a significant increase in retrofitting activities would likely see increased demand for roofers and glaziers. Although future shortages may emerge, albeit in small numbers, none are evident at present. 

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