At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to maintain and improve roads while working outdoors with a skilled team.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a major employer in a vibrant multicultural borough.
- Benefits: Gain a Level 2 qualification and valuable skills for your future career.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in highways and civil engineering with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; passion for teamwork and problem-solving is key.
The predicted salary is between 19575 - 23925 £ per year.
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.
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
Highways Maintenance Apprentice (Road Worker) employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Join us in Sandwell, where we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on our communities. As a Ward Co-Ordinator, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises health and wellbeing, alongside access to an award-winning employee benefits scheme. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping vibrant neighbourhoods and enhancing the lives of residents.
Contact Details:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Maintenance Apprentice (Road Worker)
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Since you're aiming for an apprenticeship in construction, try to get some practical experience under your belt. Volunteer for local building projects or shadow experienced tradespeople. This not only boosts your skills but is also a great way to make connections in the industry.
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Look for local construction associations or community workshops. These groups often have info sessions and networking events that are perfect for meeting industry pros. Plus, they can provide valuable insights into what employers, like Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, are looking for in apprentices.
✨Tap into Trade Schools and Colleges
If you’re studying at a trade school or college, make sure to keep in touch with your instructors—they have industry connections and might know of openings at places like Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Many schools also host job fairs specifically for apprenticeships, so keep an eye on those events!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Finally, don’t forget that you can apply directly through our website for your apprenticeship. It’s a straightforward way to get your foot in the door at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and show we value those who take initiative. No need to be shy—get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Maintenance Apprentice (Road Worker)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Hands-On Skills:When applying for an apprenticeship in construction, it’s crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have. This could include DIY projects, volunteering for community builds, or relevant school subjects like design and technology. We want to see what you've done with your hands as well as your brain!
Tailor Your CV for Construction:Your CV should reflect your enthusiasm for the construction industry. Include any relevant coursework, certifications, or projects that relate to construction. Don't forget to also mention any safety training or equipment handling experience, as it shows you're serious about working safely on-site.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let your passion for construction shine through! Share why you’re excited about this particular apprenticeship at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and what you hope to learn. This is your chance to show us your motivation and commitment to the industry, so make it personal.
Include References and Contacts:As you're applying for an apprenticeship, it can be really helpful to include references from teachers, mentors, or anyone who's supervised your work. If you’ve worked on projects in school or during work experience, mention who oversaw those and how they can vouch for your skills. This adds that extra layer of credibility to your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the common tools and equipment used in construction, like power tools and safety gear. Being able to name them and explain their uses can really impress the interviewers at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council!
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect technical questions that'll test your understanding of construction principles. Brush up on basic concepts like measurements, materials, and safety regulations. They might even throw in scenarios to assess your problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, we want to show that we’re not just looking for a job but are eager to learn the trade. Talk about what aspects of construction excite you and how you hope to grow in the field.
✨Bring Your Own Experience
Even if you don’t have formal experience, think of any DIY projects or part-time jobs that showcase your hands-on skills. Share these stories to show you're practical and willing to get stuck in at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
