Job holders in this unit group supervise and undertake the operation of machines to transport, excavate, grade, level, and compact sand, earth, gravel and similar materials, drive piles into the ground and lay surfaces of asphalt, concrete and chippings, clear and cultivate land, to sow and harvest plants and crops, and operate other mobile machines.

Entry Reqirements

Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Typical Tasks

• Cleans, oils and greases machine and carries out minor repairs.
• Drives and operates machinery to plough, fertilise, plant, cultivate or harvest crops.
• Operates tractors, combine harvesters or other farm vehicles, attaches plough, cultivator or other implements and adjusts depth, speed and height to requirements.
• Directs refilling of machine hopper and repeats operations as necessary.
• Watches operation and removes any likely obstacle or obstructions.
• Manipulates levers, pedals and switches to manoeuvre vehicle, regulate angle and height of blades, buckets and hammers and starts conveyor, suction or water spraying system.
• Fixes any necessary extensions onto machine and loads machine with asphalt, concrete, bitumen, tar, stone chippings or any other required materials.

Desired Skills