Plant hire is a service industry providing machinery, equipment and tools of all kinds and sizes for a limited period of time to construction contractors, the construction industry and to individual consumers.
Who can I work for?
You could work for plant hire, tool hire and equipment rental companies across the UK and work across a broad-spectrum of roles from fitter through to sales agent.
Where and when can I work?
You will be mostly office-based and work 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, depending on your role. However, some construction sites start work earlier than this, so an early start may sometimes be required in line with the industry.
What can I earn?
It varies greatly depending on the role you are doing. For example, a plant hire fitter can earn on average £28,000; a plant hire depot manager earns upwards of £20,000; and a plant hire sales representative can earn in between £25,000 and £35,000 with commission.
What are the benefits?
The construction industry needs equipment in order to function, so job prospects are high. Larger organisations may offer benefits such as a pension scheme and private healthcare and if you are working in sales you can earn a good level of commission.
Are there chances of promotion?
Most plant hire companies will have their own internal structure that you will be able to work your way through. You may start out as an administrator and be promoted to an account manager, or perhaps you will work as a fitting assistant and go on to manage a team of fitters.
What will I be responsible for?
Plant hire companies are responsible for ensuring the construction industry has the right tools for the right job, at the right time. Within this you could be managing supply of equipment to a number of key client accounts or visiting sites to ensure that tools and machinery are fitted and used safely.
Do I need any experience?
It really depends on your role but overall a basic knowledge of the construction industry would be advantageous along with customer service or sales experience.
What attributes are needed?
Whatever your position in the plant hire company, you will need to be friendly, enthusiastic, proactive and flexible. If you are working as a fitter you will need to have a background in engineering or a relevant subject. If you are in sales you will need to be target and deadline driven.