Tunnelling Operative

What does a tunnelling operative do?

Most tunnelling operatives start out working in the pit, removing earth, rock and other waste materials, before becoming qualified. As a tunnelling operative, you could be required to work in a confined environment for long periods of time, as some tunnels are several kilometres long.

As a tunnelling operative you could be:

• Using computers with construction management software to help keep the work running smoothly
• Preparing the site for tunnelling work
• Organising the delivery and storage of all the equipment
• Ensuring the correct materials are available to start work
• Moving and handling materials, resources and components by mechanically assisted or manual means
• Loading and unloading, handling and conveying goods and materials.

How to become a tunnelling operative

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

You should explore these routes to become a tunnelling 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 tunnelling operative.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship

You could complete an intermediate tunnelling operative apprenticeship with a construction company to become a tunnelling 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.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

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

• Comfortable working in enclosed spaces
• Great team working skills
• Good communication skills
• Awareness of health and safety measures.

How much could you earn as a tunnelling operative?

The expected salary for a tunnelling operative varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained tunnelling operatives can start at £22000
• Trained with experience tunnelling operatives can earn up to £33000*

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