Job Description

Trainee Mobile Plant Mechanic (Qualified Mechanic Retraining)

SD Plant Maintenance Ltd - Sheffield (S9) + UK-wide travel

Job type: Full-time, permanent | Pay: 13-15 per hour DOE, rising to 16 per hour once signed off as competent

The Opportunity

Already fully qualified in mechanics/engineering (e.g., Level 3 NVQ/City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent) and ready to pivot into a high-demand niche? We'll retrain you to maintain and repair vacuum excavator machines--specialist, safety-critical plant used by major utilities and civils contractors.

For the first 6 months, you'll work hands-on with our Director to learn the platform end-to-end. Once competent, you'll run your own jobs--either remotely on customer sites nationwide or in our Sheffield workshop.

About SD Plant Maintenance Ltd

We're a fast-growing specialist focused on vacuum excavators--trusted nationwide and known for methodical, high-standards engineering. Join a small, high-performing team with modern processes and real ownership of outcomes.

What You'll Do

Assist, then independently deliver fault-finding, inspections, servicing, repairs and refurbishments on vacuum excavators. Diagnose mechanical issues methodically; verify fixes with functional tests and clear documentation. Complete routine and statutory inspections to high standards. Carry out hydraulic repairs (fault diagnostics, cylinders, slew motors, valve blocks, solenoids). Perform 24V electrical diagnostics (referencing wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, sensors, CAN basics) under guidance. Carry out basic fabrication/welding when required. Use digital job sheets, order parts, and secure customer sign-off per procedure. Travel to customer sites across the UK; occasional nights away.
Training & Progression

Structured 6-month onboarding: platform procedures, safety, repairs, diagnostics, inspections, documentation. Shadow ? assisted jobs ? lead engineer sign-off pathway. Progression to Mobile Plant Engineer / Senior Plant Technician based on competence.

What You'll Need (Essential)

Fully qualified mechanic/engineer (e.g., Level 3 NVQ/City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent) in Mechanical, HGV, Plant, Marine, Forces, Automotive, etc. Strong, methodical fault-finding skills and disciplined root-cause thinking. Inspection experience (plant/HGV/automotive/industrial). Own hand tools (we supply specialist tooling, test gear and PPE). English (spoken & written) IT skills for diagnostic tools, job apps, reports and email. Comfortable working alone and remotely. Full UK clean driving licence and right to work in the UK. Willing and able to work occasional evenings, weekends, and nights away.

Desirable

Basic hydraulics knowledge (pressure/flow fundamentals, component ID). Basic 24V systems understanding (read schematics, safe multimeter use, component ID). Basic fabrication/welding experience (highly desirable). Exposure to plant, HGV, agricultural, military, or industrial machinery (beneficial)

Pay, Hours & Benefits

Pay: 13-15 per hour DOE, rising to 16 per hour after sign-off as competent. Hours: 40-60 hours per week (paid overtime). Overtime: 1.3x rate for Saturdays, 1.5x rate for Sundays & Bank Holidays. Company phone from day one. Company van provided once signed off to work independently. Pension, PPE, specialist tools, and ongoing training. 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays).

Location

Base: Sheffield S9 workshop; UK-wide field work with occasional nights away.

How to Apply (Indeed)

Please submit your CV and a short note covering:

1. Your highest mechanical/engineering qualification.

2. Summary of inspection and fault-finding experience.

3. Hydraulics/electrical/fabrication exposure.

4. Confirmation of full UK driving licence and own tools.

5. Willingness to travel, work evenings/weekends, and stay away when required.

Equal Opportunity: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and make hiring decisions based on capability and merit.

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 13.00-16.00 per hour

Benefits:

Company car Company pension
Application question(s):

Do you hold a Level 3 (or higher) mechanical/engineering qualification (or equivalent)? Do you hold a full UK driving licence?
Work Location: On the road