Apprentice Plant Operator

WORDSWORTH EXCAVATIONS LTD

BARNSLEY (S75 1FJ)

Closes in 14 days (Friday 1 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 18 July 2025

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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

£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

Monday 11 August 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

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

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

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

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.

http://www.wordsworthexcavations.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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 14 days (Friday 1 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

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