At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to learn practical skills in highways maintenance while working on real projects.
- Company: VolkerHighways, a leader in highways and street lighting maintenance.
- Benefits: Earn £10 p/h, gain a Level 2 apprenticeship, and enjoy company perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for progression and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in construction with hands-on training and support.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your motivation and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 10 £ per hour.
Highways Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship - Level 2
Location: Medway
Contract: Full-time, 45 hours p/w
Salary: £10 p/h plus Course Fees & Company 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 general operatives to join our project teams across the south of the UK. This is a full-time role where you'll learn on the job while working towards a nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship in Highways Maintenance. 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 construction 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 kerb laying and footway works, drainage repairs and installation, asphalt and patching works, general civils and groundworks.
- Learning how to carry out tasks safely and to the required standard.
- Using tools, plant and equipment safely (with training and authorisation).
- Attending training blocks and applying what you learn back on site.
- Following health, safety, wellbeing and environmental procedures.
- Keeping work areas tidy and safe.
- Reporting hazards, near misses or unsafe conditions.
- Representing VolkerHighways professionally on site.
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 construction and working outdoors.
- A positive attitude, good timekeeping and a strong focus on safety.
- A flexible approach to working hours as this can involve early starts, night work, weekends and working shifts.
- Commitment to attending and completing training as scheduled.
- Willingness to obtain a CSCS card if you don't already have one.
- A driving licence is not required at application stage, but you must be willing to work towards a full UK driving licence during the apprenticeship, as it will be needed for operational duties.
Maths and English
You do not need to already hold GCSE Maths or English to apply. If required, support will be provided as part of the apprenticeship to help you achieve the appropriate level alongside your job.
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. With this Apprenticeship, you'll get:
- A permanent job with structured training and support.
- A nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to GCSE level).
- Real site experience, mentoring and progression opportunities as you develop.
- 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.
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies: Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to 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 General Operative in Maidstone employer: VolkerWessels UK
VolkerFitzpatrick is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets tradition in the civil engineering and construction sectors. Located at Brize Norton, our team enjoys competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, ensuring that every member can thrive both personally and professionally. With a focus on fairness, inclusion, and respect, we create a supportive culture that empowers our staff to excel in their roles while contributing to vital national infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice General Operative in Maidstone
✨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, 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 General Operative at VolkerWessels UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice General Operative in Maidstone
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
✨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!
