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 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: Block release for 2 academic years, plus support from a trainer/assessor in the workplace.
Location: City Skills Centre
Start Date: September 2025
Assessment and Entry Requirements
Apprentices will attend college on a block release basis 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 have the opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and behaviours aligned to this apprenticeship standard. Assessments will be carried out with employers to determine suitability.
Apprentices must be capable of achieving level 1 in Maths and English before the end point assessment and take the test for level 2 or provide a certificate of equivalent prior achievement such as GCSE Math and English.
For those with an education, health care plan or legacy statement, the English and Maths minimum requirement is entry level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
To find out more, please contact Louise Jones at Salford City College Group.