2026 Trade Apprentice - Lifting Technician in Dartford

Company: Select Plant Hire Limited. Select Plant Hire, part of Laing O'Rourke, is one of the UK's largest and most diverse suppliers of equipment and services to the construction industry. We pride ourselves on being a Total Solutions provider, leading industry change through sustainability and innovation, while ensuring safety and reliability at every stage. This role will commence in September 2026.

What are we looking for? We are looking for people with a genuine interest in construction and the built environment. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and ambitious, with the potential to progress to a supervisory / management role over a five-to-ten-year period.

Role Overview Repair, maintain, modify, inspect, test, install and assemble lifting equipment to ensure its suitability and safety for a continued period of service. Lifting Equipment Technicians are self‑motivated problem solvers who work with organisations to resolve issues and come up with solutions to their everyday needs. They ensure the safety and suitability of the equipment used for lifting goods or people to meet regulatory requirements. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with site managers, production managers, health & safety managers, workshop supervisors, design engineers, equipment and component suppliers and government agencies, such as the HSE. Requirement to work on site and at clients premises and will need to be able to travel to them, so will typically need a driving licence.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to repair, maintain, modify, inspect, test, install and assemble lifting equipment to ensure its suitability and safety for a continued period of service. They provide documentation and technical advice to customers and check that equipment is being maintained in accordance with statutory requirements. Additionally, the role may include the removal of equipment from service or decommissioning where it is unsafe and does not meet regulatory standards. They may work independently or within a team and typically report to a senior line manager who can offer support, knowledge, and best practice guidance. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting the organisations in which they are employed or providing a service to. They typically have responsibility for a range of lifting equipment to ensure it has been properly verified as safe for use. The Lifting Equipment Technician can interpret and comply with contract information, such as service contracts, and work with the lifting organisations who hold or own lifting equipment. They are also responsible for ensuring Health & Safety, Regulatory and Quality requirements are met, and for taking an active role in general workshop quality control.

Key Roles And Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough examination, installation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of lifting equipment and accessories.
• Diagnose faults, identify required parts, estimate repair times, and advise customers and managers on cost‑effective solutions.
• Perform routine maintenance, part replacement, and equipment modifications in line with current legislation and safety standards.
• Install lifting equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidance and client requirements.
• Assemble lifting equipment (e.g. chain and wire rope slings) to customer specification and industry standards.
• Carry out testing and verification activities, including functional, operational, proof load, and non‑destructive testing.
• Confirm safe working loads and operating capacity using appropriate calculations.
• Provide clear technical guidance and solutions to customers and end users.
• Manage workload using IT and paper‑based planning systems.
• Maintain tools, calibration equipment, and workshop cleanliness while supporting overall quality control.
• Safely decommission equipment in line with health, safety, and COSHH requirements.
• Prepare accurate, clear reports and maintain a strong focus on personal and team safety.

Location Little Brook Dept (Dartford)

Apprenticeship level and standard Lifting equipment technician / Skills England Apprenticeship Provider Laing O'Rourke collaborate with trusted and approved training providers for our apprenticeship delivery. Successful candidates will be enrolled by Laing O'Rourke during the onboarding stage.

Entry Requirements

• Eligibility without restrictions to work in the UK. We cannot offer visa sponsorship.
• Full mobility to enable travel to various project locations.
• Attainment of three GCSEs or equivalent with a 4 in Maths and English.

The Laing O'Rourke Apprenticeship programme - what can you expect? The Trade and Technical Apprenticeship programme provides you with a formal college education, leading to a Level 2 and/or 3 apprenticeship standard in your chosen vocation. You will also gain a broad set of trade technical skills through on‑the‑job training, supported by our qualified and experienced workforce, and construction professionals. A dedicated mentor and approved training provider will work closely with you, providing regular feedback on your progress towards completing your apprenticeship.

Application Deadline Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may close a role once enough candidates have applied. We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible, so you don't miss the opportunity to be considered.

Accessibility and Support We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support to your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.