HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE SKILLED OPERATIVE
Highways Maintenance Skilled Operatives work for a variety of companies within the private sector (Utilities Companies, such as Electric, Gas and Water firms) and the public sector (Local Authorities, County Councils and Highways England).
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.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
On completion the Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative will know and understand the following:
- The principles of health, safety and welfare and how they must be applied in relation to their own work and others
- The responsibilities under current legislation (including Health and safety at Work Act 1974, Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment 1998, Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992) and official guidance (risk assessments, method statements) to undertake work
- How to work in accordance with the National Highway Sector Schemes, Industry Codes of Practice, the New Roads & Street Works Act and other guidance relevant to the occupation
- Understand the structure of the highway, civil engineering methods, construction technology and have knowledge of different road categories and types, construction materials and working methods
- How to identify, locate and excavate around underground services such as gas and power cables to avoid strikes and loss of service
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
- On the job training in the workplace
- Of the job training
- Workshops
- College based assessments
- End Point Assessment
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
- Portfolio building
- Class discussions
- End Point Assessment
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Progression can lead onto a Level 3 apprenticeship.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
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.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
An apprenticeship at level 2 requires you to complete, or be working towards a level 1 in Functional Skills for Maths and English. Depending on your prior attainment level, you may be required to complete an initial assessment to check suitability for entry onto the programme. If you have already achieved GCSE grades at E/2 or above, you may be exempt from completing this as part of the apprenticeship. Please note, that depending on grades previously achieved, you may be expected to upskill towards a level 2 in Functional Skills Maths and/or English. Furthermore, all candidates will have an interview with the Apprenticeship Specialist to assess suitably before being accepted on to an apprenticeship programme.