What do General Operatives do?
The information contained in this career of the week is kindly provided by Hobson & Porter, a local award-winning construction & maintenance firm operating across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region.
A General Operative is involved in numerous practical tasks on the construction site. The General Operative will be involved on projects from site preparation through to completion. They will carry out general manual work on the site to ensure its smooth running. They complete a wide variety of tasks ranging from mixing and pouring concrete, moving and unloading materials, operating machinery, ensuring the site is clean and tidy and more.
Day to day activities may include:
- Assisting tradespeople with the building process
- Mixing and pouring concrete
- Digging trenches
- Assisting Bricklayers
- Laying pavements, drainage pipes and manholes
- Operating hand machinery and plant
Skills required
- Interest and knowledge of building and construction
- Thorough with a high attention to detail
- Good level of physical fitness
- A head for heights
- Enthusiastic with a good work ethic
- Working effectively as part of a team
- Ability to follow instructions
- General understanding of health & safety issues
Career path and progression
A General Operative can complete further qualifications and training to become a qualified tradesperson. With further experience and knowledge, move to more senior roles such as site supervisor, team leader or Site Supervisor. Opportunity to become a self-employed contractor.
What can I expect to earn?
Salaries for this role are dependent on experience. Examples are as follows:
- Newly trained Groundworker £17,000 - £20,000
- Trained with experience Joiner £20,000 to £25,000
- Senior Joiner £25,000 to £30,000+
What subjects should I study?
There are no formal qualifications to become a general operative, but you are likely to need 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including maths and English to study a Level 2 course.
How can I start my career?
Whilst there are no formal qualifications required to become a General Operative. There are various routes to become a General Operative these include:
- College - Level 1 Certificate in Groundworks or Construction Skills or Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Groundworks and General Construction
- Apprenticeship - Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship
- Direct Employment with training
To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a general operative, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.
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