Sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative

How to become a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative

There are several routes to becoming a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. 

You should explore these routes to become a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative 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.

College/training provider

You could complete a specialist Level 2 Diploma in Tunnelling Operations to become a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an intermediate tunnelling operative apprenticeship with a construction company to become a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative.

You’ll need 2-3 GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

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.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative 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 sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative. 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 sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative include: 

• A good eye for detail
• Good coordination
• Able to work confidently in tight spaces
• Great team working ability.

Qualifications

What does a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative do?

As a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative, you will be working collaboratively with different teams. 

The duties of a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative include:

• Assisting with the excavation, support and forming of tunnels and shafts in the ground
• Carrying out hand and machine tunnelling, pipejacking, sprayed concrete lining, shaft sinking and drilling and blasting
• Moving and handling materials, resources and components
• Working with the lining team
• Controlling robotic equipment
• Providing a constant supply of controlled materials
• Keeping concrete mixes consistent and avoiding any blockages in the machinery
• Guiding and controlling the movement and operation of concrete sprayers.

How much could you earn as a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative?

The expected salary for a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained sprayed concrete lining tunnel operatives can earn £16,000 - £40,000
• Trained sprayed concrete lining tunnel operatives with experience can earn £40,000 - £60,000*
• Self-employed sprayed concrete lining tunnel operatives set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative vacancies:  

• Indeed
• Total Jobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

Once you have a minimum of five years’ experience as a sprayed concrete lining tunnel operative, you can do On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT).

With additional training you could transfer to job roles such as diamond drilling operative, land drilling operative or plant operator. 

You could set up your own business and work as a freelance concrete consultant.