Apprentice Paviour
Sunderland City Council
Washington (NE37 1EQ)
Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)
Posted on 19 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you looking to kickstart a career in the Highways Maintenance industry? Why not come and work for us and gain a qualification!
You will develop the skills you need for the job by working alongside experienced colleagues whilst gaining hands on experience at the same time as working towards a recognised level 2 qualification
- Wage
-
£16,939 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Second year and beyond will then increase to £10.00 per hour if aged between 18-20 or £12.21 if aged 21and over
- Training course
- Highways maintenance skilled operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (subject to change).
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
2 years
- Positions available
-
1
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
- Assist to carry out all types of paving, kerbing and related highway works including concrete finishing, tarmacing, etc. ensuring compliance with specification, quality standards, and in accordance with all current relevant codes of practice and legislation.
- Assist to carry out the installation of all types of street furniture including signal poles, guard rails, litter bins, cycle racks, etc. and to liaise with suppliers on site where necessary.
- Assist to erect and dismantle temporary traffic management including cones, signs, temporary traffic lights, barriers, etc.
- Assist to plan and organise works directly from drawings, specifications, or work instructions.
- Assist to measure, mark out, calculate, and order materials as required/in the absence of the manager.
- Assist to carry out all works in an efficient and effective manner.
- Assist to ensure all generic and project specific risk assessments are followed and complied with at all times.
- Work with skill and care following all supplier/manufacturer guidance for the safe use of hand and power tools, plant, machinery, etc.
- Be responsible for adopting safe work methods and complying with all instruction, guidance and trigger levels when using vibratory tools, plant, machinery, etc.
Where you'll work
13 Parsons Road
Parsons Industrial Estate
Washington
NE37 1EQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE
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
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 / C or above)
- Maths (grade 4 / C or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Awareness of Health & Safety
- Flexible & adaptable approach
- Self-Motivated
- Interpersonal skills
- Willingness to learn
Other requirements
- You must be able to work outdoors and in all weathers.
- You must have a genuine interest in developing a career in Highways Maintenance.
About this employer
Sunderland is a city full of ambition, and Sunderland City Council is a brilliant place to grow your career. We’re passionate about creating the best possible environment for our employees, communities, and local businesses to thrive. With around 2,500 employees delivering a wide range of services across the city, we offer opportunities at every level and in many different areas. Whether you’re just starting out in employment or looking for your next challenge, every role plays a vital part in helping us provide excellent services for the people of Sunderland. Come and be part of something meaningful and help shape the future of our city.
https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Apprentice_Paviour/291630 (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Access to Pension Scheme.
- 26 days leave + Bank Holidays.
- Statutory & organisational sick pay.
- 3 days paid leave per year for voluntary work.
- Employee wellbeing support.
- Discounted public transport travel pass.
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
Paviour role.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016597.
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.