Plater

As a Plater, you will be responsible for marking out, assembling, fitting, and preparing structural steel components used in bridge fabrication and construction. The role requires interpreting engineering drawings, ensuring dimensional accuracy, and working safely while meeting project quality and production requirements.
Key Responsibilities

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  Read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication details, and technical specifications.
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  Mark out, fit, and assemble structural steel bridge components to specified tolerances.
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  Prepare steel sections, plates, and fabricated assemblies for welding.
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  Use measuring equipment to ensure all components meet dimensional and quality requirements.
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  Tack weld components where required (if qualified and authorised).
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  Operate fabrication equipment including magnetic drills, grinders, oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and other workshop tools.
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  Carry out structural fit-up for girders, cross members, diaphragms, stiffeners, splice plates, and other bridge components.
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  Inspect fabricated assemblies before welding and report any non-conformances.
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  Work closely with welders, inspectors, and supervisors to achieve production targets.
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  Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.
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  Follow company health, safety, environmental, and quality procedures at all times.
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  Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills and Experience

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  Proven experience as a Structural Steel Plater or Bridge Plater.
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  Ability to accurately read and interpret engineering and fabrication drawings.
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  Experience assembling heavy structural steelwork.
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  Strong knowledge of fabrication methods and structural steel construction.
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  Competent in the use of hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment.
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  Good understanding of dimensional tolerances and quality requirements.
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  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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  Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

Preferred Qualifications

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  Relevant fabrication or engineering qualification (NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds, or equivalent).
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  CSCS Card (for site-based work).
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  IPAF, PASMA, or MEWP certification (desirable).
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  Overhead crane or forklift certification (desirable).
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  Confined Space or Working at Height training (desirable).
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  Basic tack welding qualification (advantageous).

Health & Safety
The successful candidate will:

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  Comply with all company health and safety policies.
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  Correctly use PPE at all times.
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  Report hazards, incidents, and near misses immediately.
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  Follow safe systems of work and risk assessments.
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  Ensure equipment is inspected before use.

Physical Requirements

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  Ability to lift and handle heavy steel components safely.
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  Comfortable working in fabrication workshops and outdoor construction environments.
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  Ability to work at height and in varying weather conditions where required.
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  Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in physically demanding environments.

Personal Attributes

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  Reliable and punctual.
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  Strong work ethic.
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  Safety-conscious.
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  Excellent communication skills.
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  Team player with a positive attitude.
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  Flexible to work overtime or shifts as required by the project.

Performance Expectations
Success in this role will be measured by:

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  Quality of fabricated assemblies.
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  Compliance with project specifications and tolerances.
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  Productivity and adherence to project schedules.
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  Strong health and safety performance.
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  Teamwork and effective communication.