At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to carry out essential highways maintenance tasks and support emergency operations.
- Company: VolkerHighways, a leader in highways and street lighting maintenance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual leave, private medical care, and flexible working options.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage everyone to apply, regardless of background.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction preferred; strong teamwork and a positive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities. We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.
We are currently looking for a Highways Operative to join our Highways Term Maintenance Contract based out of our depot in Wokingham, Berkshire.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out a variety of highways maintenance tasks including:
- Kerb laying and footway works
- Drainage repairs and installation
- Asphalt and patching works
- General civils and groundworks
- Operate mechanical plant and machinery (training and certification where required).
- Support emergency call-out and winter maintenance operations as part of an out-of-hours rota.
- Work collaboratively with direct labour and subcontract partners to achieve daily/weekly targets.
- Ensure all work is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with VolkerHighways' quality standards.
- Maintain tools, equipment and vehicles in a safe, clean and serviceable condition.
About you
- Experience in highways maintenance, construction or general civils (preferred but not essential).
- NRSWA or Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR)
- Confident operating plant and tools
- A strong team player with a positive and reliable work ethic.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Full UK driving licence (HGV desirable but not essential).
- Willingness to undertake training and development (e.g. NRSWA, CSCS, winter duties).
If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerHighways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefit
- Flexible working opportunities
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
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.
General Operative in Wokingham employer: VolkerWessels UK Ltd
VolkerWessels UK Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation in civil engineering. With competitive benefits such as private medical care and flexible working opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow through comprehensive training while contributing to impactful projects in the vibrant area of Gravesend. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative in Wokingham
✨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 General Operative at VolkerWessels UK Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative in Wokingham
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!