Highways Maintenance Apprentice (Road Worker)

Introduction

An exciting opportunity to start a career in Highways Operations. As a Highways Maintenance Apprentice, you will work outdoors as part of a skilled team responsible for maintaining and improving the borough’s roads, footways, verges and associated infrastructure preparing you for a long‑term career in highways and civil engineering.

About the Employer

Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

What You'll Do

Under supervision and with full training, you will learn to:

• Assist in the construction, maintenance and repair of highways, footways, verges and drainage systems
• Support the safe set‑up, maintenance and removal of temporary traffic management, including signs, cones, barriers, lighting and guarding
• Help erect and maintain temporary and emergency road closures
• Operate and maintain a range of tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, compressors, breakers and floor saws
• Carry out basic excavation work in footways, carriageways, kerb lines and drainage channels following safe systems of work
• Assist with setting out lines and levels for laying kerbs, slabs, block paving, drainage channels and ironwork
• Support the laying, raking and compacting of bituminous and unbound road materials
• Help install street furniture such as posts, bollards and pedestrian guard rails
• Complete required paperwork, records and administrative tasks linked to the work carried out
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, statutory authorities and members of the public
• Follow all health and safety procedures, including correct use of PPE and safe systems of work

Training Outcome

This apprenticeship is a fixed term 18 month contract and at the end you will gain a Level 2 Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative qualification.

However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Adhere to Health & Safety
• Wearing of PPE
• Flexible to travel
• Follow instructions
• Work outdoors
• Show respect for others

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 9-4 / A-C
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 9-4 / A-C
• Essential - Functional Skills - English - Level 2
• Essential - Functional Skills - Maths - Level 2

Course Information

Course: Highways maintenance skilled operative (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Construction and the built environment

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Anytime between the hours of 7.00am - 4.00pm, Monday - Friday.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: SANDWELL COLLEGE