Roadworker Apprentice - Level 2 (2Posts)

Derbyshire County Council

Derby (DE65 6BU)

Closes in 15 days (Sunday 25 October 2026)

Posted on 9 October 2026


Summary

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience maintaining Derbyshire’s highway network while studying towards a Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship (Level 2).

You’ll be part of a skilled operational team delivering essential services that keep communities connected, safe and moving.

Wage

£15,392 to £24,454.04, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

If you are a care experience individual, you may be eligible for a care leaving bursary payment of up to £3,000 throughout the period of the apprenticeship.

Training course
Highways maintenance skilled operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm,

37 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 January 2027

Duration

1 year 8 months

Positions available

2

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

Working as part of Highways operational teams, you will support the delivery of maintenance and construction works across the network.

Your role will include:

  • Assisting with highway repairs including carriageways, footways and drainage
  • Supporting excavation, reinstatement and maintenance activities
  • Working with tools, plant and equipment (under supervision)
  • Assisting with traffic management and site safety arrangements
  • Supporting the safe delivery of works in live highway environments
  • Maintaining equipment and ensuring work areas are left safe and tidy
  • Contributing to efficient delivery of works to required quality standards
  • Interacting professionally with members of the public and minimising disruption
  • You will gain real, practical experience while developing an understanding of how highways services are delivered safely and effectively

Where you'll work

Castle Way
Willington
Derby
DE65 6BU

Training

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

Training provider

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

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

Your learning & Development

You will undertake a Level 2 Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship through an approved training provider, combining:

  • Structured off-the-job learning
  • Work-based practical experience
  • Development of industry-recognised skills and behaviours
  • You will be supported to apply your learning in the workplace and develop towards a competent highways operative role

More training information

What we offer you

  • A structured apprenticeship and development pathway
  • Hands-on experience working on real highway projects
  • Support from experienced operational staff and supervisors
  • Opportunity to progress within Highways Services
  • Training and development aligned to industry standards

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
  • Organisation skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable individuals who are keen to develop practical skills and build a career in highways.

Essential requirements:

  • Willingness to work outdoors in a physically active role
  • Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision
  • Good team working and communication skills
  • Commitment to learning and completing the apprenticeship
  • Positive attitude and strong work ethic
  • Must be over 18 years of age due to health and safety requirements

Desirable:

  • Interest in construction, engineering or practical trades
  • Experience of working in a hands-on or outdoor environment
  • Awareness of health and safety in a work setting

About this employer

Working for Derbyshire County Council

At Derbyshire County Council, we are committed to:

Equality, fairness and opportunity
Supporting your wellbeing and development
Delivering services that provide value for money for our communities
Reducing our environmental impact and supporting climate resilience

https://jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk//JobDetails.aspx?msg=IupEfsBrex%2frHMphNQoPOwg5g2uC%2flLiQvI7lU8Te9I% (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

As part of Derbyshire County Council, you’ll also enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Generous annual leave scheme
  • Access to student discounts
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Discounts at selected county leisure centres
  • Free online health and exercise sessions
    …and much more!

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

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

What we offer you

  • A structured apprenticeship and development pathway
  • Hands-on experience working on real highway projects
  • Support from experienced operational staff and supervisors
  • Opportunity to progress within Highways Services
  • Training and development aligned to industry standards

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058292.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Sunday 25 October 2026)

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