Apprentice Plant Operator
WORDSWORTH EXCAVATIONS LTD
BARNSLEY (S75 1FJ)
Closes in 12 days (Friday 1 August 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 18 July 2025
Contents
Summary
At Wordsworth Excavations, our people are central to all we do. We take pride in high staff retention, fostering a workplace where talent thrives and careers grow. Our apprenticeships span all areas of the business, offering practical experience and tailored training—an ideal path to develop skills and build a rewarding future in earthworks.
- Wage
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£17,667 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
All lodging is organised and paid for. Lodging allowance is £25 per night taxable and £25 per night non-taxable. A daily bonus of £13 is awarded for punctuality, correct PPE usage, completing plant checks, and maintaining appropriate behaviour
- Training course
- Construction plant operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday site hours are usually from 7am to 6pm. On Fridays, the finish time depends on the location of the work, and may be earlier. Most jobs require staying away from home, although this depends on where in the UK the work is.
45 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 11 August 2025
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Plant Operatives check, prepare, maintain & operate several machines that are used on construction sites, such as:
- 360 excavators to dig or shape the ground to form embankments or trenches for underground pipes
- Dumper to transport earth across a site and tip it where required
- Ride-on-Roller to compact materials such as earth and tarmac for roads, paths etc.
- Forklift to lift and transport construction materials
They provide signals to other operators & marshal vehicles on site and assist with any labouring required on site.
Where you'll work
UNIT 1
WORDSWORTH BUSINESS PARK
WHALEY ROAD
BARNSLEY
S75 1FJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CONSTRUCTION AND PLANT ASSESSMENTS LTD
Training course
Construction plant operative (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Extract information from a variety of sources for basic servicing, checks, operational and maintenance requirements.
- Select and use tools, lubricants and equipment required for operator-level maintenance, checks, servicing and configuration requirements.
- Identify and apply information from a range of sources so that the machine is set for the work and for the work to be carried out.
- Identify and source materials, equipment and consumables for operational requirements.
- Prepare and set the machine for travelling purposes.
- Travel the machine across a range of ground, surfaces and in a range of operational environments and conditions inc. where relevant on inclines, and on and from a transporter.
- Plan, configure and set the machine to carry out the required work activity.
- Operate the machine in accordance with given instructions for excavating, compacting, loading, lifting, moving, discharging and placing activities relevant to the machine being used.
- Identify, use and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supporting staff and supervisors to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
- Carry out checks (through self and with others) that the work being carried out meets the job requirements and timescales.
- Position, configure and shut down the machine when work activities cease and isolate and secure the machine and relevant equipment and structures to prevent unauthorised use or access.
- Marshall the movements of a range of plant and delivery vehicles for positioning and safe movement requirements.
- Assist in the setting up, configuring and positioning of plant to carry out specific work functions.
- Assist in preparing and securing a transporter and the items of plant during the loading and unloading activity for transportation purposes.
- Work in accordance with health, safety, welfare and environmental requirements, evaluate the working area and activity according to static and dynamic risk assessments and method statements, and report on unsafe situations following organisational procedures.
- Extract information from a variety of sources for basic servicing, checks, operational and maintenance requirements.
- Select and use tools, lubricants and equipment required for operator-level maintenance, checks, servicing and configuration requirements.
- Identify and apply information from a range of sources so that the machine is set for the work and for the work to be carried out.
- Identify and source materials, equipment and consumables for operational requirements.
- Prepare and set the machine for travelling purposes.
- Travel the machine across a range of ground, surfaces and in a range of operational environments and conditions inc. where relevant on inclines, and on and from a transporter.
- Plan, configure and set the machine to carry out the required work activity.
- Operate the machine in accordance with given instructions for excavating, compacting, loading, lifting, moving, discharging and placing activities relevant to the machine being used.
- Identify, use and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supporting staff and supervisors to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
- Carry out checks (through self and with others) that the work being carried out meets the job requirements and timescales.
- Position, configure and shut down the machine when work activities cease and isolate and secure the machine and relevant equipment and structures to prevent unauthorised use or access.
- Marshall the movements of a range of plant and delivery vehicles for positioning and safe movement requirements.
- Assist in the setting up, configuring and positioning of plant to carry out specific work functions.
- Assist in preparing and securing a transporter and the items of plant during the loading and unloading activity for transportation purposes.
- Work in accordance with health, safety, welfare and environmental requirements, evaluate the working area and activity according to static and dynamic risk assessments and method statements, and report on unsafe situations following organisational procedures.
Training schedule
You will achieve the Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship Standard by attending CP Assessments Training Centre’s in Doncaster to undertake 7 block-release training sessions (5 days), every 8-12 weeks.
The successful candidate will work towards their Functional Skills in both Maths and English if they have not achieved this prior or have an equivalent.
Apprentices will also get an Apprentice CSCS card which can be upgraded on completion of the apprenticeship.
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- Listening skills
- Ability to follow instructions
Other requirements
This role will involve working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. You will need to be strong and physically fit to carry out the duties of this role. Due to the nationwide nature of the work, regular travel and staying away from home will be required.
About this employer
Wordsworth Excavations is a highly professional contractor with extensive experience in the earthworks industry. Since our establishment in 2003, we have specialised in providing top quality services in bulk earthworks, ground stabilisation, and demolition projects throughout the country. Our commitment to delivering excellence, prioritising health and safety, and ensuring compliance has earned us a strong reputation among major construction firms.
After this apprenticeship
This is a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to start their career with a highly reputable and well-established company.
Progression within the organisation with more responsibility is expected on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
In time, you may wish to undertake further qualifications such as Occupational Work Supervision, which can be studied at Level 3.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CONSTRUCTION AND PLANT ASSESSMENTS LTD
Tracey Rowley
tracey.rowley@cpassessments.co.uk
01709868181
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000332504.
Apply now
Closes in 12 days (Friday 1 August 2025 at 11:59pm)
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