Highways Maintenance Apprentice (Road Worker)
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council · Oldbury · posted 29 July 2026
Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.
Under supervision and with full training, you will learn to:
- Assist in the construction, maintenance and repair of highways, footways, verges and drainage systems
- Support the safe set‑up, maintenance and removal of temporary traffic management, including signs, cones, barriers, lighting and guarding
- Help erect and maintain temporary and emergency road closures
- Operate and maintain a range of tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, compressors, breakers and floor saws
- Carry out basic excavation work in footways, carriageways, kerb lines and drainage channels following safe systems of work
- Assist with setting out lines and levels for laying kerbs, slabs, block paving, drainage channels and ironwork
- Support the laying, raking and compacting of bituminous and unbound road materials
- Help install street furniture such as posts, bollards and pedestrian guard rails
- Complete required paperwork, records and administrative tasks linked to the work carried out
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, statutory authorities and members of the public
- Follow all health and safety procedures, including correct use of PPE and safe systems of work
Your training
You will work towards the Level 2 Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship Standard, which includes:
- On‑the‑job training with experienced Highways Operatives
- Off‑the‑job training delivered by an approved training provider
- End‑Point Assessment (EPA)
Where it leads
This apprenticeship is a fixed term 18 month contract and at the end you will gain a Level 2 Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative qualification.
However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector.
About Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.
Things to consider
- Due to the requirement to operate heavy plant machinery (including e.g., excavators/rollers/dumpers) as part of this role, all applicants must be aged 18 or over. This is a safety-critical requirement.
- Proof of qualification certificates will be required during the recruitment process.
- This role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Some tasks require physical activity, manual handling and working in live traffic environments.
- Full PPE and safety training will be provided.
- We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date, if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to complete and return your application as soon as possible.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade 9-4 / A-C) — essential
- GCSE Maths (grade 9-4 / A-C) — essential
- Functional Skills English (grade Level 2) — essential
- Functional Skills Maths (grade Level 2) — essential
Where you'll work
- Highways Department, Taylors Lane, Oldbury, B69 2BW
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