Banksman/signaller

What does a banksman/ signaller do?

As a banksman/signaller, you will be responsible for safely directing the movement of vehicles on a work site. You could also be providing vital recommendations on movement and ensuring this is relayed in a clear manner to all on site.

The job role of a banksman/signaller involves the following duties: 

• Directing the movement of vehicles on a work site
• Recommending and laying out safe, on-site traffic systems
• Providing clear, correct and safe directions to plant operators
• Communicating with drivers and plant operators verbally and by radio and/or industry standard hand signals
• Understanding risks (e.g. blind spots) and how to manage these effectively
• Managing traffic to avoid excessive queuing
• Minimising possible risks to personnel and equipment
• Working on a building site.

How to become a banksman/ signaller

There are several routes to becoming a banksman/signaller. You could complete a specialist college course or an apprenticeship, and gain further qualifications and experience to help you move into the role. You should explore these routes to becoming a banksman/signaller to find out which is the right one for you.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You could start your career at a specialist college/training provider learning how to be a plant operative, for example. Once you have gained site experience you could train to become a banksman/signaller.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

There is not a specific apprenticeship for a banksman/signaller but you could start your career as an apprentice plant operator or take on any role which gives experience on construction sites or off-site manufacture. Once you have gained some qualifications, your employer may provide you with additional training, such as:

• Safe Working Practices Around Construction Plant Equipment
• NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained.
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a banksman/signaller include:

• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• Able to work well with others
• Flexible and open to change
• Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• Knowledge of public safety and security
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How much could you earn as a banksman/ signaller?

The expected salary for a banksman/signaller varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained banksmen/signaller can earn from £19,000
• Trained with experience banksmen/signaller can earn up to £47,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.