Organisations now have a fantastic opportunity to enrol employees in the Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship programme. A limited number of spaces are still available for the September cohort of the Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship. With funding available for eligible organisations, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this unique apprenticeship, the only one of its kind in the highways sector. The programme begins in the second week of September, so act quickly to secure a place.
About the Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship
Developed by Salford City College in collaboration with Salford City Council and LCRIG, the apprenticeship programme was created to address the critical skills shortage in the highways sector.
With the support of several members, the partnership successfully established the Highways Maintenance Academy. The Academy is dedicated to delivering high-quality training aligned with industry standards, preparing apprentices for a range of roles in highway maintenance and ensuring they are well-versed in both traditional practices and modern innovations in the sector.
Since its creation in 2023, the Academy has created 30 apprenticeship opportunities in Salford and other areas of Northwest.
LCRIG’s Commitment to Closing the Skills Gap
We are immensely proud to support this apprenticeship programme and facilitate the entry of apprentices into the sector. The skills shortage is a significant challenge for our members, and our goal is to replicate the apprenticeship programme in other regions, helping to attract and develop skilled operatives across the highways sector.
Funding Benefits
Small Employers: Fully funded for apprentices up to age 21.
Large Employers: Fund the programme through your apprenticeship levy account and receive a £1,000 grant for starting an apprentice aged 16-18. Additionally, eligible companies may receive CITB grants of up to £8,500.
Learning Outcomes
The Highway Maintenance Academy apprenticeship programme is designed to meet the specific demands of working on rural and urban roads (excluding motorways). Apprentices will learn to repair damaged surfaces, interpret and work to drawings and specifications, and operate within temporary traffic management systems, all while working outside in various weather conditions.
A purpose-built, dedicated outdoor facility at the academy serves as a valuable resource for apprentices, supporting them in fulfilling the practical elements of the course.
Key Details
- Level: Level 2
- Duration: 21 Months + End Point Assessment (EPA) period
- Delivery Model: Day release for 2 academic years, with additional support from a trainer/assessor in the workplace.
- Location: City Skills Centre
- Start Date: Second week of September 2024
Assessment and Entry Requirements
- Apprentices will attend college on a day-release basis (1 day a week) at City Skills M6 6AP. They will undertake both theory and practical sessions to develop the technical knowledge and skills aligned to highways.
- A record of evidence is required to demonstrate the apprentice’s ability to consistently meet the standard.
- To qualify, apprentices must be in suitable employment and capable of achieving Level 1 Maths and English before the end point assessment. An alternative is British Sign Language (BSL) qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
Full details are available here.
Watch the video to hear from the first cohort of students about how the apprenticeship has benefitted them.
If you are interested in enrolling employees in the September cohort, please contact louise.jones@salfordcc.ac.uk.
Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to upskill your employees and help address the skills shortage in our sector!