At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to learn and perform highways maintenance while keeping Cornwall's roads safe.
- Company: Cormac offers a supportive environment focused on skill development and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and continuous training opportunities.
- Other info: 12-month programme with potential for permanent role; based in beautiful Cornwall.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications.
- Qualifications: Must be 17+, have a driving licence, and a passion for outdoor work.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Get paid, get skilled, get your career going! Cormac's Academy Programme is a great way to build your future, providing you with a competitive salary and a 12 month training programme dedicated to getting the best out of you. If you're passionate about working to build and maintain Cornwall’s road network and providing a safe travel route for the public, then we want to hear from you!
About the role:
You will be working alongside our skilled Highways Maintenance Operatives, as part of a larger network of teams across Cornwall, to learn how we maintain and construct our County’s roads and footpaths. During your training, you will develop practical skills and a deep knowledge about highways maintenance operations within Cormac. You will learn how we safely and effectively maintain our County’s infrastructure, while delivering value for our communities.
Initially, this is a 12 month fixed term contract position with the opportunity to secure a permanent role on the successful completion of your training. Alongside the skills and knowledge that you learn in the workplace, you will also attend Notter Bridge Training Centre one week per month to complete industry standard qualifications, including Level 2 NVQ in Highways Maintenance, Streetworks and 12D (Traffic Management).
Duties include (but are not limited to):
- Undertake highways maintenance and construction activities
- Undertake a range of routine manual tasks in relation to highways maintenance such as kerb laying, surfacing, repairing potholes and installing street Ironwork
- Learn how to safely use hand tools, power tools and pedestrian plant
- Learn how to set up safe and effective traffic management
- Follow written instructions and interpret drawings
- Work with sub-contractors on larger schemes
An individual who is passionate about working to maintain Cornwall’s road network, providing a safe travel route for the public. You will be committed to completing the Cormac Academy Programme, including the Level 2 NVQ in Highways Maintenance and all other qualifications.
This is a hazardous role, so you must be at least 17 years old when the programme starts in order to apply.
Eligible to drive in the UK: You must hold a full manual driving licence or provisional driving licence and have the ability to achieve a full manual driving licence by the end of your 12 months training programme. You will be expected to be able to travel to your base location for each working day. You will be expected to travel to our Notter Bridge Training Centre near Saltash or at Scorrier for your training weeks.
Current or predicted Maths and English Functional Skills Level 1 or above (equivalent to GCSE 1,2,3 or D,E,F,G or above) – Desirable.
You will have a positive outlook and enjoy working outdoors in a physical role. You will be trustworthy, dependable and work well in a team. You will be able to communicate well with your team, your employers, trainers and the general public. You will have a strong awareness of health and safety and protect yourself and others at all times. You will be resilient, respectful, adaptable and keen to learn and complete your training.
Our offer to you:
- Contract: 12 months full time with an opportunity to convert to permanent for suitable candidates.
- Location: Cornwall - you will be allocated to a site and permanent supervisor upon appointment.
- Base: You will likely be based at one of our main sites in Bodmin, Bude, Helston, Falmouth, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, or Scorrier.
Close Date: Midnight Sunday 15th February 2026
Shortlisting: w/c Monday 16th February 2026
Assessment Day: Tuesday 24th February 2026
Working with us you will have an employee benefits package that includes:
- Generous pension scheme with employer contribution
- Employee discount scheme and wellbeing events
- Holiday starting at 23 days
- Investment and support in your continuous training and development
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our service users, clients and customers. If the role is working with vulnerable individuals and/or children and young people, you will be asked to complete a relevant DBS check to be successfully appointed to the role.
To apply: Please follow the link below to apply for the role with your candidate profile; remember to upload your cover letter and CV.
Contact us: If you’d like to have a discussion about the role, please feel free to contact our in-house resourcing team for an informal chat about the role. Thank you for your interest in supporting our important work at Cormac.
Cormac Academy Programme - Highways Maintenance in Saltash employer: CORMAC
Cormac is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in highways maintenance while making a meaningful impact on Cornwall's infrastructure. With a competitive salary, comprehensive training programme, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, you will gain valuable skills and qualifications in a collaborative environment. Enjoy generous benefits, including a pension scheme, employee discounts, and a commitment to your continuous development, all while working in the beautiful surroundings of Cornwall.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cormac Academy Programme - Highways Maintenance in Saltash
✨Get Hands-On with Local Projects
Dive into local construction projects or volunteer for community builds. It’s a great way to pick up skills, meet professionals, and show off your dedication since the construction field values practical experience as much as academic knowledge.
✨Connect at Construction Events
Keep an eye out for local trade shows, career fairs, and construction expos in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry folks, learn about companies like CORMAC, and even potentially snag a trainee position.
✨Show Off Your Skills on Social Media
Utilise platforms like Instagram or TikTok to showcase your passion for construction. Share posts of projects you’ve worked on or your learning journey. Companies notice candidates with a visible passion, and it might just catch the eye of someone at CORMAC!
✨Apply Early and Often!
Trainee positions often pop up during specific recruitment windows, so keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website promptly. Remember, reaching out to companies directly, like CORMAC, can also show initiative and increase your chances of landing that trainee spot!
We think you need these skills to ace Cormac Academy Programme - Highways Maintenance in Saltash
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your education and training:For a trainee role in construction, highlighting any relevant education, training or certifications is key. If you’ve got a construction-related qualification or have completed any vocational training, make sure to feature that prominently in your CV!
Hands-on experience counts!:Even if you haven't worked full-time in construction yet, any hands-on experience can give you a leg up. If you've ever done work experience, internships, or even home projects related to construction, mention them! This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Speak to your motivation in your cover letter:As a trainee, employers want to see your eagerness to learn and grow in this field. Use your cover letter to express passion for construction and what interests you about the role at CORMAC. Let them know why you’re excited to start your career in construction!
Emphasise teamwork and communication skills:Construction is all about teamwork! Make sure your application highlights any experience you have working in teams or communicating effectively with others. This is crucial for a role like this, so showcase any group projects or collaborative efforts you’ve been involved in.
How to prepare for a job interview at CORMAC
✨Dive Into Safety Protocols
In construction, safety is paramount. Brush up on key safety regulations and procedures relevant to the role you're applying for at CORMAC. Showing that you understand and prioritise safety can set you apart from other trainees.
✨Show Off Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences related to construction – even if they are just DIY projects or volunteering on-site. It helps to showcase your passion and how you adapt to new environments.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the common tools and machinery used in construction. At CORMAC, you might be questioned about specific tools or equipment you’ve encountered. Having a basic understanding of how they work can really impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect some practical scenarios during your interview. You might be asked how you would handle certain situations on-site, such as resolving conflicts or ensuring safety compliance. Think of a few examples in advance that show your problem-solving abilities.
