Material processing plant operator
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A mineral processing mobile and static plant operator runs the plant and machinery that produces aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete, mortar and cement products. Working in quarries and processing sites, they operate either mobile plant such as excavators and dumpers, or fixed processing plant, safely and to specification. The role can progress to senior operator, supervisor or plant management positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How mineral processing plant and mobile plant equipment work
Safe start-up, operation, shutdown and parking of plant
Producing construction materials to the required specification
Routine and preventative maintenance and inspection of equipment
Environmental controls including dust, noise and spillage prevention
Health and safety legislation for quarry and processing sites
Recording production output, downtime and quality information
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Operate mobile or static plant safely during production
Produce aggregates, concrete, mortar or asphalt to specification
Carry out routine checks, maintenance and housekeeping on equipment
Respond safely to blockages, faults or breakdowns
Record throughput, downtime and quality data accurately
Follow site environmental, traffic and safety procedures at all times
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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