Plant Operator Mechanic - Reserve

• Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

• Medicine Ball Throw 3m (Army Reserve 2.7m)

• 2km run 11 min

More information about the fitness test

GCSE Grade A–D/9-3, or Scottish National 5 grade A-D, in Maths, English Language and one other subject.

• Get trained as a mechanic for servicing and fault finding

• Learn to operate different pieces of plant equipment

• Be trained on all civilian construction uses of plant

• Become fully trained on the use of plant within the military role

Step 1
Basic Training consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

• Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

• Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
Then it’s a two-week course to learn field engineering skills. Then over two weeks at Chatham, Kent, you’re trained to use the light-wheeled tractor and medium-wheeled tractor. After a year or so you will come back to Chatham to learn how to use other big construction vehicles. Most Reserve training will fit around your day job.

You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increase as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.

More about Reserve benefits

Driving Licences – B, C, C+E, D, H