We are thrilled to announce that the pioneering collaboration between LCRIG, Salford City College, Salford City Council, and industry partners has been selected as a finalist for the Highway Partnership Award at the prestigious Highways Awards.
The Highway Partnership Award, sponsored by WJ Group, recognises an organisation or highway authority that has driven or demonstrated a collaborative approach designed to benefit society or its local community.
About the Partnership
The Highways Maintenance Academy has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local authorities, industry partners, and design experts, to develop a long-term solution to the critical skills crisis facing our sector. Since its inception in 2023, the Highways Maintenance Academy has created 30 apprenticeship opportunities in Salford and other areas of the Northwest. It is now poised to become a Centre of Excellence for Highways Maintenance Apprenticeships in the Northwest.
Opening Doors to Careers in Highways
The initiative opens doors for individuals seeking diverse career opportunities within the highways sector. The broadened skill set ensures apprentices are versatile, adaptable, and capable of meeting the dynamic demands of the modern highways industry.
Aligned with the Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship Standard
By aligning its curriculum with the Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship Standard, the Academy takes proactive steps to overcome skills shortages. It prepares students for traditional highway maintenance roles and fosters an understanding of emerging trends such as smart infrastructure, sustainable practices, and the integration of digital technologies.
Industry Support
The support and commitment from industry partners – including Bethell Group, 4Way A1 Sand & Gravel, A E Yates, Amberon, Argyle, Bolton Council, Caseys, Instarmac, Meon, R, Saint Gobain PAM, Signals, and SRL Traffic Systems – have been instrumental in the success of this initiative.
Reactions to the Announcement
Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Salford City College, shared his pride for the partnership: “Salford City College Group places vast importance on our innovative and dynamic relationships with industry partners. Our strategic, long-term work with LCRIG to develop the Highways Maintenance Academy, supporting skills shortages across the sector and affording fantastic career opportunities to young people through high quality apprenticeships, is something we are very proud of.
“We are delighted this innovative partnership has been recognised in this award category and look forward to celebrating with the other deserving finalists in September.”
Kerry Winstanley, LCRIG’s Finance and Operations Director, also expressed her enthusiasm: “We are delighted that the Highways Academy has been shortlisted for the Highway Partnership award.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible collaborative effort from everyone in the partnership and a fantastic example of how bringing the sector together and sharing experiences can make a difference and help tackle the skills shortage. We look forward to the awards ceremony in September.”
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to the awards ceremony in September, we remain committed to addressing the skills crisis in our sector. We are proud of the achievements of the Highways Maintenance Academy and excited about the future of this innovative partnership.
We would like to wish all this year’s Highways Awards finalists good luck!
Find out more about the Highways Academy here.