Fixed Plant vs Mobile Plant Apprenticeships Explained

Fixed plant refers to machinery that is permanently installed in one location, such as equipment in a factory, refinery or processing plant. Mobile plant refers to machinery and vehicles that move between sites, such as haul trucks, excavators and drilling rigs. The type of plant you work on determines your trade specialisation and the qualification you work toward.

Fixed plant machinery refers to industrial equipment and machinery that is permanently installed or fixed in a specific location. These machines are not designed to be moved and typically form part of a larger production or operational system within a facility.

Fixed plant is found across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, water treatment and power generation.

Common examples of fixed plant machinery include:

• Assembly lines, CNC machines and industrial robots used in manufacturing
• Crushers, grinders and mixing tanks in mining and chemical processing plants
• Boilers, turbines and generators in power generation facilities
• Conveyors, elevators and material handling systems within production facilities
• Refining and extraction machinery permanently installed at oil and gas sites
• Pumps, filters and water treatment equipment
• Grain silos, irrigation systems and stationary feed processing units in agriculture

Working with fixed plant typically means operating within a specific facility, which can offer a stable and consistent work environment with regular hours and a familiar worksite.

Fixed Plant Apprenticeships

Engineering apprenticeships are the primary pathway for working with fixed plant machinery. Trade specialisations that typically focus on fixed plant include:

• Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
• Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship
• Fitter Machinist Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships are covered by the Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package (MEM), leading to qualifications such as the Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219).

In some roles where a genuine mix of fixed and mobile plant work is involved, you may undertake a Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (MEM31419) as part of your engineering trade apprenticeship.

Mobile plant machinery refers to industrial equipment and vehicles that are designed to be moved and used across multiple locations. The defining characteristic of mobile plant is its portability and adaptability, allowing the same equipment to operate across different sites as operational needs change.

Mobile plant is most commonly associated with mining, construction, agriculture, forestry and logistics industries, where work is spread across different locations or projects.

Common examples of mobile plant machinery include:

• Haul trucks, drilling rigs and mobile crushers used in mining operations
• Excavators, bulldozers, cranes and concrete mixers on construction sites
• Mobile forklifts, conveyors and aerial work platforms for materials handling
• Heavy trucks and trailers for transporting goods and equipment
• Maintenance vehicles, mobile generators and utility vehicles
• Tractors, combines and other farm equipment used across different fields
• Skidders and logging equipment for forestry operations

Working with mobile plant often involves travelling between different job sites and working outdoors, which suits people who prefer a varied and dynamic work environment.

Mobile Plant Apprenticeships

Automotive Apprenticeships include trade specialisations that work with mobile plant, such as:

• Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship
• Diesel Fitter Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships are covered by the Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package (AUR), leading to nationally recognised qualifications in automotive and mobile plant technology.