More than 600 supervisors and apprentices have now enrolled on Supervisor Skills Level 1 (SSL1) and Supervisor Skills Level 2. This landmark digital training programme has been developed by the sector, for the sector, to raise competency, leadership capability and sustainability awareness across the UK highways workforce.
Developed collaboratively by the Supply Chain Safety Leadership Group (SCSLG) and delivered through the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT), SSL1 has rapidly become a trusted foundation for new and aspiring supervisors. The programme is fully endorsed by National Highways and is recognised as a competency within Highways Passport, strengthening its adoption across contractors, suppliers and training providers.
Born from industry need
The Supervisor Skills Programme was created in response to a 2022 sector wide SCSLG review which highlighted inconsistent training standards and identified critical gaps in environmental responsibility, communication, leadership behaviours and safety culture. In response, National Highways, the SCSLG and CIHT collaborated to create a modern, on demand digital course that fits around shift work and operational pressures.
SSL1 provides nine one hour modules covering Mental Wellbeing, Inclusive Leadership, Incident Management, Quality and The Environment. It offers a clear and accessible baseline of competence for anyone stepping into supervisory responsibilities.
Nick Holt, Managing Director at WJ North, said:
“Safety begins with the people who set the tone every day on site, our supervisors. The Supervisor Skills Programme ensures they have the knowledge and behaviours needed to create an environment where every decision considers risk, every action models best practice, and every team member goes home safe. SSL1 and SSL2 are raising the industry benchmark and giving supervisors the confidence to lead safely under pressure.”
Alignment with National Highways Raising the Bar Guidance
The Supervisor Skills Programme has been developed in alignment with National Highways Raising the Bar guidance, which sets out minimum expectations and best practice standards for health, safety and workforce engagement across the United Kingdom’s strategic road network.
Raising the Bar identifies the behaviours, competencies and leadership qualities required to create safer, more consistent site environments, and the Supervisor Skills Programme was designed specifically to support these goals.
By embedding the principles outlined in Raising the Bar – including safety leadership, communication, wellbeing, environmental responsibility and operational discipline – Supervisor Skills Level 1 and Level 2 provide a structured, modern pathway that ensures supervisors are equipped to deliver work safely, confidently and in line with national industry standards.
Kevin Richardson, National Training Manager at HW Martin, said:
“HW Martin has used the Supervisor Skills Level 1 course extensively across our organisation to ensure all our supervisors share the same foundation of understanding.
“ It’s been a vital tool in building consistency, confidence and clarity in how our teams lead and communicate. Supervisor Skills is important because it strengthens the core behaviours and competencies that every supervisor needs, helping them support their teams more effectively and deliver safer, higher quality work.”
Supporting apprentices: Preparing the workforce of the future
A growing number of apprentices are now completing SSL1 as part of their early development. The course provides them with a fundamental understanding of workforce culture, communication, safety responsibilities and environmental awareness, equipping them with the confidence and behaviours they need to transition smoothly into site roles.
Apprentices appreciate the flexible, real world format, while employers view SSL1 as an essential step in preparing young people to enter the sector workplace ready.
Kevin Richardson added:
“HW Martin has put groups of our apprentices through the Supervisor Skills Level 1 course, and it has proved to be an excellent way to prepare them for future responsibility.
“The programme gives apprentices a strong grounding in communication, accountability and the behaviours expected of an effective supervisor. It has been essential in building their confidence early and ensuring they develop the right skills and mindset as they progress into more senior roles.”
Supervisor Skills Level 2 now available
In response to strong uptake and industry demand, Supervisor Skills Level 2 (SSL2) has now launched. While Level 1 establishes core competency, Level 2 deepens skills in leadership, operational planning, behavioural safety and managing larger, more complex teams.
Development of Supervisor Skills Level 3 is underway, with release planned for 2027, creating a full progression pathway that supports supervisors throughout their careers.
A shared commitment to a safer, greener, more capable workforce
With more than 600 learners enrolled and participation continuing to rise, the Supervisor Skills Programme is becoming the industry’s gold standard for supervisor development. Its growth reflects a strong, collaborative commitment to building a modern, inclusive and highly capable workforce across the highways sector.
Cat Goumal, Head of Education and Professional Development at CIHT, said:
“The Supervisor Skills Programme is vital because it strengthens the foundations of competence and leadership across our sector. Supervisors play a pivotal role in shaping site culture, influencing safety behaviours and ensuring work is delivered to a consistently high standard.
“By providing accessible, high quality training, we are helping organisations build a more capable, confident and accountable workforce. The programme can also support supervisors who are working towards EngTech registration, helping them develop and evidence their competence. This is not just about developing skills for today, it’s about supporting long term professional growth and raising standards across the entire highways industry.”
For more information
To enrol apprentices, supervisors or team leaders on Supervisor Skills Level 1 or Level 2, visit www.cihtlearn.org.uk or contact admin@cihtlearn.org.uk.
Eligible companies can access 50% CITB funding, and CIHT Members benefit from complimentary access to all Supervisor Skills courses.
(Image – WJ Group)