We’re excited to share fantastic news – the very first cohort of apprentices on the Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship through Salford City College have now completed their end-of-point assessments with exceptional results.
100% completion rate: every apprentice passed!
44% achieved a Distinction
These achievements reflect the hard work, dedication, and talent of the apprentices, as well as the outstanding support from the college’s delivery team, employers and industry partners.
Building a Skilled Workforce for the Future
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.
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.
Keely Metcalfe, Relationship Manager at LCRIG, said:
“We are thrilled to hear how well the apprentices have done and proud to have played a part in getting the academy off the ground. A huge thank you to all our members who have supported this initiative – and congratulations to the apprentices and to Salford City College.
“We look forward to continuing our support for this initiative as part of our mission to help address the skills shortage in our sector and to making a real, lasting impact.”
We are excited to follow the progress of these newly qualified highways operatives as they continue their careers and make their mark in the sector.
Help Us Develop the Next Highways Academy
Following the success of our first academy project with Salford City College, we are now partnering with Askham Bryan College to launch a Highways Academy in Yorkshire.
The first cohort of apprentices will start in April 2026, and we are calling on our members and industry partners to get involved.
How You Can Support
- Help create a dedicated practical training area on college campus
- Contribute time, materials, equipment, or technical expertise
- Assist with apprentice recruitment – a few places remain for the 2026 intake
- Help recruit a highways tutor – the college is currently seeking an industry-experienced educator to lead the programme
If you’re interested in supporting this initiative, please contact Keely Metcalfe at: keely.metcalfe@lcrig.org.uk
(Image – Salford City College)