Plant hire desk controller

How to become a plant hire desk controller

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a plant hire desk controller, there are several routes you could take to help you pursue this career. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming a plant hire desk controller, 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

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a plant hire desk controller, having GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English at grade 4 or above would be beneficial for anyone considering this as a career.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

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

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship as a plant hire controller.

You may need some GCSEs, or equivalent, including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will 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 previous experience or qualifications in construction, warehousing or sales you may be able to apply directly to an employer for a job as a plant hire desk controller.

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 hire desk controller. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

For anyone considering a career as a plant hire desk controller, the following skills are desirable: 

• Excellent customer service skills
• Good maths knowledge
• Ability to work well in a team
• Highly organised and motivated 
• General administration skills.

Qualifications

What does a plant hire desk controller do?

The main responsibility of a plant hire desk controller is to deal with customer queries and orders in a professional manner. 

The day-to-day duties of a plant hire desk controller include:

• Responding to customer enquiries about plant, machinery and tool hire
• Pro-actively promoting the company at all times
• Developing professional relationships with internal and external clients
• Maintaining and exceeding company targets
• Setting up customer hire contracts
• Negotiating costs and preparing invoices
• General administration
• Working in a warehouse or office

How much could you earn as a plant hire desk controller?

The expected salary for a plant hire desk controller varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained plant hire desk controllers can earn £19,000 - £25,000
• Trained and experienced plant hire desk controllers can earn £25,000 - £35,000.*

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 plant hire desk controller vacancies: 

Career path and progression

As a plant hire desk controller, you could move into a role as a plant operator or plant mechanic.

Alternatively, you could progress into a more senior role as a supervisor, team leader or depot manager.