At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Apprentice Electrician and learn on the job while gaining a Level 2 qualification.
- Company: VolkerHighways, a leader in highways and street lighting maintenance.
- Benefits: Earn £10 p/h, enjoy paid training, and receive a benefits package including pension and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career progression await you!
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in construction with hands-on experience and mentoring from industry experts.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your motivation and willingness to learn.
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Contract: Full-time, 45 hours per week
Salary: £10 p/h plus Benefits
Start: October 2026 (college programme begins mid October 2026)
About us
VolkerHighways is a leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts for local authorities. We deliver public realm infrastructure projects and are independent specialist traffic management contractors.
About the role
This is the ideal opportunity if you are looking for your first role in the construction industry. We're looking to strengthen our business by recruiting an early careers cohort in 2026 and have an exciting opportunity for a number of apprentice electricians to join our project teams across the south of the UK. This full-time role combines on-the-job learning with formal training, working towards a nationally recognised Level 2 Highways Electrical Apprenticeship. Attendance at college will be required in blocks of at least a week with overnight accommodation provided.
You'll join an operational project team and develop practical skills through a mix of real site experience and structured training. Apprenticeships combine work with study, including paid time during your working hours for training and learning. No previous electrical experience is required - full training and support will be provided.
What you'll be doing
- Working alongside experienced operatives to support project operational activities such as fault diagnosis and repairs
- Electrical testing and commissioning on new and existing installations
- Installation of street lighting columns, signs, and bollards
- Learning to carry out work safely and to required standards
- Using tools, plant, and equipment safely (with training and authorisation)
- Attending training blocks and applying learning on site
- Following health, safety, environmental, and wellbeing procedures
- Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe work environment
- Reporting hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions
- Always representing VolkerHighways professionally
About you
We're looking for someone reliable, motivated and keen to learn, who enjoys practical, physical, outdoor work and working as part of a team.
You’ll need:
- An interest in electrical work and outdoor environments
- A positive attitude, good timekeeping, and strong safety awareness
- A flexible approach to working hours (including early starts, night work, weekends, and shifts where required)
- Commitment to completing training and attending college as scheduled
- Willingness to obtain a CSCS card (if not already held)
- A willingness to work towards a full UK driving licence during the apprenticeship (not required at application stage but essential for future operational duties)
Why work for us?
Be part of VolkerWessels UK, a leading multidisciplinary engineering and construction group delivering across rail, highways, aviation, marine, energy, water, and environmental sectors.
With this Apprenticeship, you'll get:
- Permanently employment with structured training and development
- Nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship qualification (GCSE equivalent)
- Hands-on experience with mentoring and clear progression opportunities
- Company benefits package including pension, retail discounts and 23 days paid annual leave.
Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at.
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
Apprentice Electrician in Abingdon employer: VolkerWessels UK Ltd
VolkerStevin, part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety and employee well-being at its Preston Head Office. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits, and a culture of fairness and inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive while working on some of the UK's most critical infrastructure projects. Join us to lead health and safety excellence in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Electrician in Abingdon
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like VolkerWessels UK Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Apprentice Electrician at VolkerWessels UK Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Electrician in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels UK Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
