Highways Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship

VOLKERHIGHWAYS LIMITED

Chichester, Crawley, Luton

Closes in 29 days (Friday 17 July 2026)

Posted on 17 June 2026

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Summary

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. No previous construction experience is required - full training and support will be provided.

Wage

£18,720 to £29,741.40, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Up to £10 p/h (First year)

Training course
Highways maintenance skilled operative (level 2)
Hours
Full-time, permanent role. Roles available: West Sussex x3, Medway x 2 and Luton x2. Must be able to travel to the Chichester area for study.

45 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

7

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

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

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Chichester Railway Station, Southgate, Chichester, PO19 8DL
  • North Street, Turners Hill, Crawley, RH10 4NP
  • Station Road, Luton, LU1 2LT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Training course

Highways maintenance skilled operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Apply appropriate health, safety and environment procedures when working on the road
  • Plan and undertake work practice productively when carrying out repairs to potholes, pavements and kerbs, and laying new surfaces on rural and urban roads
  • Read, interpret and work to drawings, specifications and highways information Highways information will include details on the use of safety barriers, cones, traffic flow and safety zones to work within, whilst employed on the highway
  • Use underground cable locators to identify buried water, gas, sewer lines or other utility services, and once identified excavate by hand around the line to stop any damage and disruption to services
  • Apply safe working practise for moving, storing, lifting and handling of resources
  • Excavation and reinstatement of the highway by carrying out maintenance and repairs, including removal of material within the road or road side using hand or power tools and reinstatement of the area using concrete, screeds, sub-base, aggregates or bituminous materials
  • Install Street Ironworks (drain access covers and frames and gully gates situated on the road) to given work instructions
  • Prepare and operate powered tools or pedestrian plant, machinery or equipment for use on roads. This will include machinery for generator™s, pumps, pedestrian operated plant (e.g. pushed roller), mixers, compressors and self“powered tools (pneumatic drill)
  • Prepare, set up and work within temporary traffic management (using cones and barriers to section off elements of the road from vehicles and pedestrians) on urban and rural roads, whilst excavating and re-instating the highway
  • Work with other sub-contractors on larger schemes (e.g. traffic management)

Training schedule

Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Level 2.

With this Apprenticeship, you'll get:

Apprenticeship study will take place in the Chichester area, at Chichester College or a location nearby.

  • 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

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Patience

About this employer

VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. 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.

http://careers@volkerwessels.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Company benefits package including pension, retail discounts and 23 days paid annual leave.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

You’ll join an operational project team and develop practical skills through a mix of real site experience and structured training.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

VOLKERHIGHWAYS LIMITED

Natasha Sattar

Natasha.Sattar@volkerhighways.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037794.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Friday 17 July 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.