The Machine Head

Crane operators are responsible for lifting and moving materials around a construction site as safely and efficiently as possible. As a crane driver you’d need to be practically-minded, with an understanding of how to drive and maintain heavy machinery.

Diamond drilling operatives use specialist equipment to cut through the toughest materials on a building site, such as reinforced concrete. They could be called in to remove sections of roads or pavements, assist with demolitions or dismantle towers and bridges, whilst following strict health and safety guidelines.

A forklift driver is responsible for delivering, moving, loading and unloading a variety of goods in warehouses and on construction sites.

A lifting equipment inspector carries out vital checks to ensure that equipment and machinery used for lifting is in working order, so construction projects can be carried out in line with strict health and safety guidelines. If equipment is found to need repairs, they will carry out this work, or recommend a more qualified engineer for the job.

Lifting equipment operators use machinery such as cherry pickers, forklift trucks, scissor lifts, suspension equipment, telehandlers, and suspension equipment to lift and hoist heavy loads. 

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.

Plant managers are responsible for all of the heavy machinery used on a construction site. They are responsible for creating reports and keeping records documenting all operations on the site. 

Plant mechanics repair and maintain heavy construction machinery so that projects can be completed efficiently and safely. As a plant mechanic, you’d conduct regular inspections on dumpers, excavators, cranes and more. You’d need a good understanding of how each machine works, and be able to repair them on-site or access replacement parts quickly.

Plant operators use heavy machinery to dig, lift and move materials on building sites. They can dramatically change landscapes or install impressive structures in a short time. Plant operators usually specialise in one type of equipment, such as an excavator or giant crane, and need good spatial awareness to move large scale machinery.

A rail engineering manager is responsible for leading and implementing engineering design work for rail projects. They assess the skills and specifications required, and then oversee business operations to ensure that project briefs are followed and implemented accurately.

Senior material engineers are responsible for sourcing & testing all materials used in construction, ensuring compliance with specifications. A senior material engineer will research materials to support the wider construction industry. 

A shunter driver is responsible for the safe movement of vehicles on construction sites. This could include large goods vehicles (LGVs) or trailer units, and can involve manoeuvring goods around site, into storage or loading bays, or to be picked up by other workers. 

A traffic safety and control officer (TSCO) is involved with making important decisions on how best to control traffic management. This could include situations such as traffic incidents, planned roadworks, big events or new developments. 

Traffic technical officers guide traffic management processes and road safety improvements. As a traffic technical officer you would work as part of the team responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient management of traffic signal networks across the country.

Transport managers are responsible for directing, coordinating, planning and overseeing tasks and operations within an organisation involving transportation activities. They are required to ensure the legal requirements for road haulage are met.

Transport modellers use specialist computer software to design and develop transport routes. As a transport modeller, you could design how new road installations link to existing transport systems. You could be designing one-way systems or diversions, while other roads are being repaired, or planning transport systems ahead of large events, such as festivals or protests.

Wind turbine engineers research, design and oversee the build of onshore and offshore wind farms and power plants.