Banksman/signaller

How to become a banksman/ signaller

There are several routes to becoming a banksman/signaller. You could complete a specialist college course or an apprenticeship, and gain further qualifications and experience to help you move into the role. You should explore these routes to becoming a banksman/signaller to find out which is the right one for you.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You could start your career at a specialist college/training provider learning how to be a plant operative, for example. Once you have gained site experience you could train to become a banksman/signaller.

> Find a course near you

> Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

For an apprenticeship you’ll need:

• 5 GSCEs (in science, maths or design subjects) at grades 9 to 4 (A to C), or equivalent.

There is not a specific apprenticeship for a banksman/signaller but you could start your career as an apprentice plant operator or take on any role which gives experience on construction sites or off-site manufacture. Once you have gained some qualifications, your employer may provide you with additional training, such as:

• Safe Working Practices Around Construction Plant Equipment
• NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations.

> Equivalent entry requirements explained.

> Find an apprenticeship near you

> Guide to apprenticeships

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

> Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a banksman/signaller include:

• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• Able to work well with others
• Flexible and open to change
• Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• Knowledge of public safety and security
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What does a banksman/ signaller do?

As a banksman/signaller, you will be responsible for safely directing the movement of vehicles on a work site. You could also be providing vital recommendations on movement and ensuring this is relayed in a clear manner to all on site.

The job role of a banksman/signaller involves the following duties: 

• Directing the movement of vehicles on a work site
• Recommending and laying out safe, on-site traffic systems
• Providing clear, correct and safe directions to plant operators
• Communicating with drivers and plant operators verbally and by radio and/or industry standard hand signals
• Understanding risks (e.g. blind spots) and how to manage these effectively
• Managing traffic to avoid excessive queuing
• Minimising possible risks to personnel and equipment
• Working on a building site.

How much could you earn as a banksman/ signaller?

The expected salary for a banksman/signaller varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained banksmen/signaller can earn in the region of £20,000-£25,000
• Trained with experience banksmen/signaller can earn in the region of £25,000-£50,000*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest banksman/signaller vacancies: 

• Total Jobs
• Reed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

You could progress to become a plant inspector/controller, or a plant manager and earn a higher salary.