Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship: The role Highways Maintenance Skilled Operatives will work on rural and urban roads (not including motorways) to repair damaged surfaces, using hand and power tools and pedestrian plant machinery. They work as part of a team carrying out the repairs and individually, when preparing the area for repair. Skilled Operatives must also be able to interpret and work to drawings and specifications when carrying out repairs to the highway. This work, using hand or power tools, could include repairs to potholes, replacement and reinstatement of pavements and kerbs, installing street ironworks and laying new surfaces, to ensure roads and pathways are suitable for driving of vehicles or pedestrians to walk safely on. They also use equipment to locate buried water, gas or sewer lines, and once identified excavate by hand around the line to stop any damage and disruption to services. The Skilled Operative will prepare, set up and work within Temporary Traffic Management on rural and urban roads, which allows for the movement and flow of traffic and pedestrian restrictions.

A Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative will undertake reactive and planned rural and urban roads maintenance and repair. They will work outside in all weathers and may be required to work at all times of the day and night at various locations. Working on rural and urban roads maintenance and repair can be dangerous so operatives need plenty of common sense and a high level of safety awareness, together with a disciplined and responsible approach whilst working with others. Understanding health and safety and environmental control will be essential to ensure safe working on rural and urban roads.

The Training Programme: At the beginning of your apprenticeship, you will be assessed for any prior learning and have a tailored ILP – Individual Learning Plan created to suit you and your organisation’s needs. ​

We offer the option of an initial four-week block of training at DTN where you will receive invaluable experience attaining Industry recognised accreditations at our state-of-the-art training centre, which incorporates a civils and construction area. After which you will return to the workplace to put into practice your new skills and continue with your on-the-job and Off-The-Job Training. ​However, we are also aware that this programme may not suit everyone’s needs and are able to tailor the apprenticeship by splitting this block week into smaller chunks if required.

Off-The-Job-Training (OTJT): Our structured programme will take you through the skills, knowledges and behaviours needed to complete your apprenticeship. Specialist training at DTN such as all the accredited NRSWA modules combined with work-based OTJ training, will total 20% of your apprenticeships’ overall contracted hours.

Regular contact and Quarterly Progress Reviews: You will be allocated a dedicated personal tutor who will keep in regular contact offering support and advice, in addition to formal 3 monthly progress reviews. These quarterly reviews involving the apprentice, the tutor and the employer will ascertain which KSB’s you have become competent at and affirm the next stage of your training. You are working towards a professional qualification which will require a completed work-based record of evidence to support the end-point assessment.

End Point Assessment: Once the employer is satisfied the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level of the standard and has a completed work-based record of evidence, the apprentice will enter Gateway (maximum one month) and confirm their competency through the EPA, consisting of a Knowledge Test and a Practical Skills Assessment.

Incentive payments: £1000 for employers of apprentices who are aged 18 or under at the start of their programme. £500 paid at month 3 and £500 upon completion.

Entry Requirements: the apprentice must be employed and work at least 30  hours per week.

Duration: 18 Months for the level 2 HMSO (plus up to 1 month for EPA).

Pre-requisites for HMSO: Must hold a Level 1 in both Maths and English.