What do quarry workers do

To become a miner or quarry worker you need to have a full driver's licence and pass drug and alcohol tests. Some employers may expect you to complete a relevant qualification such as a New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying Level 2 while working. Opportunities for miners in New Zealand have declined since and around jobs have been lost in the coal mining industry.

This is due to our construction boom, which has created high demand for building materials such as aggregates the rocks used to make concrete. Chances of getting a job as a quarry worker are expected to stay good until , as the demand for building materials continues and older quarry workers retire, leaving vacancies. Miners and quarry workers' employers vary from small quarries that employ two people to large quarries and mines that employ hundreds of staff.

Miners and quarry workers need to have a good level of fitness and must be strong as they work with heavy equipment. Miners must pass a physical examination every six months. Future You Explore careers Explore our in-depth info on a large number of job and career options. Discover Explore Connect. Search Careers. Secondary education There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a miner or quarry worker. Study fields Mining and Resources Engineering.

Useful experience Useful experience for miners includes: operating machinery driving heavy vehicles work in the construction industry engineering or general labouring. Typical hours per week How to become What will you do? How much could you earn? How to become a quarry worker There are different routes to becoming a quarry worker. Work experience Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. What does a quarry worker do?

How much could you earn as a quarry worker? The expected salary for a quarry worker varies as you become more experienced. Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

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Career path and progression As a quarry worker, you could progress to become a team leader or plant manager and oversee logistics onsite. Learn more here. One of the best jobs to begin your career in construction, you'll be helping with every aspect of the building process. Click here to find out more. Land Drilling Operatives are responsible for assessing the construction site before work starts. A construction plant manager takes charge of heavy machinery used in construction.

Find out more about the role of a plant manager here. Considering a career as a plant operator? Find out more about qualifications, training and salary in this Go Construct plant operator job description. Did you find what you were looking for?

Set cookie preferences. There is a problem. How to become Explore the different ways to get into this role. How to become a quarry worker You can get into this job through: an apprenticeship applying directly Apprenticeship You could get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a mineral processing mobile and static plant operator. Entry requirements You'll usually need: some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship More Information equivalent entry requirements guide to apprenticeships.

Career tips A relevant driving licence, for example a large goods vehicle or plant operator's licence, may give you an advantage when looking for work. Further information You can get more advice about working in the quarrying industry from Careers in Quarrying. What it takes Skills and knowledge You'll need: the ability to work on your own the ability to work well with your hands patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations the ability to work well with others physical fitness and endurance the ability to operate and control equipment physical skills like strength and coordination the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.

You'll need to: have a driving licence that includes LGV for lorries, or PCV for buses, if you work with these vehicles You may need your own transport to get to work, as quarries are usually in the countryside. What you'll do Day-to-day tasks In your day-to-day tasks you could: use mechanical diggers to excavate rock, clay, sand, gravel and slate operate equipment like rock crushers and stone graders use drilling equipment maintain vehicles and machinery set and detonate explosives transport materials in large trucks.

You could work at a quarry. You may need to wear protective clothing. Career path and progression Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities. Career path and progression With training and experience, you could become a site supervisor, mineral products technician or quarry manager.

You could also move into: quality control explosives work - shotfiring health and safety inspection machine and plant maintenance laboratory work like testing samples.