Plant and Mechanical Engineer

Also known as - Construction plant mechanic, plant engineer, mechanical engineer.

As a plant and mechanical engineer, you will inspect, design, install, or repair machinery and equipment to ensure it is well maintained, working safely and running smoothly.

Vehicles-Machinery
Engineering-Technical
Higher qualifications
Fixing things

What does a plant and mechanical engineer do?

As a plant and mechanical engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, repairing and the general upkeep of plant machinery. This may involve investigating problems and coming up with solutions.

The role of a plant and mechanical engineer involves the following duties:

Designing and implementing equipment modifications to help improve safety and reliability
Investigating and testing ideas to improve existing systems or to overcome machinery problems
Making parts and installing and testing machinery
Carrying out maintenance and identifying and repairing faults in equipment
Solving complex problems with manufacturing departments, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers
Managing projects
Planning and designing new production processes
Working with other professionals, within and outside the engineering sector
Monitoring and commissioning plant and systems.

How to become a plant and mechanical engineer

There are several routes to becoming a plant and mechanical engineer. You could do a university degree, a college course, an apprenticeship or though on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

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

University

You could study for a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering.

College/training provider

To become a plant and mechanical engineer you could start by taking a course that will give you some of the skills needed for a trainee job after you finish.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in mechanical manufacturing engineering or engineering maintenance to become a plant and mechanical engineer.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll 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.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience working as a mechanical engineer, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a plant and mechanical engineer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced plant and mechanical engineer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a plant and mechanical engineer. 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 plant and mechanical engineer include:

Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
Knowledge of engineering science and technology
Maths knowledge
Design skills and knowledge
Ability to work well with your hands
Excellent attention to detail
Problem-solving skills
Practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment.

Qualifications

England

To become a plant and mechanical engineer, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant Operations or Machinery Maintenance
Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a plant and mechanical engineer, you could complete a:

SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Plant Maintenance
Modern apprenticeship SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Civil Engineering (Plant Maintenance)

Wales

To become a plant and mechanical engineer, you could complete a:

Level 1, 2 & 3 in Construction Plant Maintenance
Level 2 & 3 apprenticeship in plant maintenance

How much could you earn as a plant and mechanical engineer?

The expected salary for a plant and mechanical engineer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained plant and mechanical engineers can start at £24,000

• Trained with experience plant and mechanical engineers can earn up to £52,000*

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

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

As a plant and mechanical engineer, you could progress to become a transport manager or logistics and plant manager.

Plant and Mechanical Engineer

Average Salary
£24,000 to £52,000

As a plant and mechanical engineer, you will inspect, design, install, or repair machinery and equipment to ensure it is well maintained, working safely and running smoothly.

Current role