Road Construction Plant Operator

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.


Personal Requirements

  • have a heavy vehicle driver’s licence
  • prepared to undergo an aptitude test
  • at least 16 years old
  • sound physical health
  • responsible
  • good sense of balance
  • able to judge distance
  • good eye-hand-foot coordination
  • safety-conscious and diligent about finishing work off neatly, as shoddy workmanship can be the cause of road accidents once the road is in operation


How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

No specific requirements.



What to Study

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


Employment

  • regional governments
  • municipalities
  • civil engineering companies
  • road construction companies


Further Information

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


Getting Started

  • try to obtain vacation or part-time work in a road construction company
  • arrange to speak to a road construction plant operator about this type of career


Programmes by Study Institutions

Related Occupations


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