A day in the life of a plant operative6th Nov 2021

Each day on the site of a major project can be different, and the changing demands of the diverse schemes Jones Bros works on means a fresh challenge can be just round the corner.

Josh Williams, 21, is currently part of the team developing the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass, with his apprenticeship coming to an end.

The construction of the bypass included the road itself, which involved installing a drainage system and ducts for electrical cabling and utilities, plus two significant bridges.

Living in Pwllheli, Josh drives to the site directly from home, arriving for 7am.

“We always start with a morning briefing, which gives you the chance to catch up with colleagues and find out what you’re doing that day, depending on what phase of the plan we’re up to,” he said.

“It’s also where the health and safety managers are able to speak with us as well: keeping everyone safe is a big priority, so these are taken very seriously.

“Then you’re out onto the job, where you’ll begin with your daily checks on your machinery and attachments, before getting into the driving seat.

“I can operate six classes of plant equipment: tractors, 360 excavators, tractors, road rollers, dumpers and telehandlers, which are similar to fork lifts. With that mix of machinery, I can be doing anything from digging trenches and moving earth or other material to rolling out a layer of road surface.

“We’ll then have a half an hour break in the canteen at 10am, and another at 2pm, and then you’re back at it until 6pm in the lighter months, or 5pm when it gets dark earlier.”

Josh previously had seasonal work for a local council, but says his family is pleased he’s found a full-time, year-round career.

He added: “I’ve learned quite a bit over the apprenticeship, you get to take a lot of extra courses as well, and working outside and seeing the progress you’re making up close is really satisfying.”