Road construction plant operators handle a large variety of road construction equipment used in the construction of new roads and maintenance of existing roads.
Road construction plant operators are responsible for operating vehicles such as bulldozers, front-end loaders, road rollers and heavy lorries. These plant operators need to manoeuvre vehicles safely and efficiently in rough terrain by means of moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches or turning dials.
They are also responsible for inspecting the machinery regularly and making adjustments and minor repairs timeously to avoid expensive repairs at a later stage.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with big and powerful machines
- taking pride in a job well done
- working outdoors
- working with your hands (and feet)
- the challenge of keeping machinery running and avoiding costly repairs
Demanding aspects
- the possibility of injury or accidents on the job
- sometimes working in dirty dusty conditions
- dealing with the isolation of working at remote sites
Requirements
A road construction plant operator should:
- have a heavy vehicle driver's licence
- be prepared to undergo an aptitude test
- be at least 16 years old
- be in sound physical health;
- be responsible;
- possess a good sense of balance;
- be able to judge distance;
- have good eye-hand-foot coordination;
- be safety-conscious and diligent about finishing work off neatly as shoddy work
can be the cause of road accidents once the road is in operation.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Most employers offer in-service training.
Promotional prospects for a road construction plant operator are good. On completion of examinations at each step a road construction plant operator can rise through the ranks as follows:
Assistant operator
Operator
Qualified operator
Road foreman
Senior road construction operator
Instructor
Employer
- Regional governments
- Municipalities
- Civil engineering companies
- Road construction companies
Contact
Additional information can be obtained from provincial authorities, municipalities and private organisations. Information can also be obtained from:
The Provincial Secretary
Provincial Administration of Gauteng
Private Bag X197
Pretoria, 0001
Tel. (012) 303-2000