Plant mechanic

I work for one of the largest independent surface dressing hire companies in the UK. Daily jobs can range from servicing to completing major jobs on machines. Servicing can be minor or major, minor being a check over, checking the oils and the machine in general. Major is changing the oils and checking the machine over. The time it takes depends on the type of service. Major jobs such as breakdowns can be as quick as a few hours to as long as a few days.

How did you get started?

I left high school in 2009 with 15 GCSEs. I then went on to study science at Fenton Sixth Form College and achieved three A-levels. During college I worked part time in my uncle’s café.

Growing up around farm machinery I’ve always had a fascination with how machines work. For my sixteenth birthday my parents brought me a 1994 Austin mini, and late nights spent doing this up made me determined that I wanted to do something like this as a job.

After A-levels I didn’t want to carry on with science, I wanted to do engineering. I applied to Reaseheath College to do a full time course or an apprenticeship for plant maintenance/mechanics. I sent my CV to around 50 companies, some local and some as far away as Liverpool, hoping for something.

I received many rejection letters and many didn’t even reply but then I received a letter from Clee Hill Plant offering me an interview. During the interview I think I changed a few opinions about women doing this type of role. A week later I received a phone call offering me the job, I couldn’t believe it. I think I have proved many people wrong about women doing this job and my fight to get it was worth it.

What do you enjoy about your job?

With the wide variety of machines within the company the learning never stops. Every day is different. I love being hands on and I’m not afraid to get dirty. I love seeing how the machines work and how to fix them if they break down. I take pride in my work and I get praised for the work I complete. If I ever get stuck or don’t know how to do a job there is always someone who is happy to help out and point me in the right direction.

What skills do you need?

To be successful in this job you need to be a good listener and able to follow instructions. You can’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty as the job is very hands on. A good sense of humour also helps in this industry as there is always banter flying around the workshop.

Proudest career moment?

I’m Clee Hill Plant’s first female fitter/plant mechanic. Only a handful of women do this job in other companies and I’m proud to be one of them. All my hard work has paid off. I’ve proved that I’m capable of doing this job and nothing can stop me aiming higher in my career.

Big ambition?

I’ve achieved my NVQ Level 2 and I’m going on to do Level 3. Once I’ve finished this I’ll look into taking an advanced electrical course. Then I want my own pink company van and want to become a site fitter. I want to push myself to do all the courses I can so I become very knowledgeable and to be able to pass my knowledge on to up-and-coming apprentices.

Any advice about joining the construction industry?   

Do what I did and just go for it. If you have a passion for something, just do it. The construction industry always needs people to join and learn the hands on skills. If you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and want to learn how to make or fix things and have a positive outcome at the end, the construction industry is the way to go.