Apprentice Highways Operative

North Yorkshire  County Council

Job Description

Location: Thirsk (NY Highways Area 2)

Salary: £12.21 per hour

Contract: Fixed-term for 2 years

Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, working Monday to Sunday, usually over 5 days

Qualification: Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative - Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Are you seeking a new career that is varied, challenging, and rewarding? Do you enjoy working outdoors and being part of a team handling practical tasks? If you want a career with variety, progression opportunities, and the chance to see the positive impact NY Highways has on our communities, our Highways Operative Apprenticeship might be perfect for you.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills, and competence in the industry, with support from your learning provider, experienced colleagues, and the wider business.

This opportunity is a 24-month fixed-term contract with potential progression into a Highways Operative role after successful completion of the Apprenticeship.

By joining NY Highways, you'll find that every day is different. You will work on a wide range of duties and experience various environments and conditions across North Yorkshire, from towns and villages to rural countryside. You will join a dedicated and supportive team, working and learning from some of our most experienced colleagues. We are looking for someone with good communication skills, a willingness to tackle various tasks, and the motivation to learn and grow professionally.

We are looking for someone who can:

  • Work safely within NY Highways policy and legislation
  • Follow instructions from the team supervisor or lead
  • Carry out various tasks while wearing personal protective equipment
  • Fully attend and engage with your college course and workplace training
  • Apply classroom theory practically in the work environment

Throughout your apprenticeship you will learn to carry out repairs and improvements safely and efficiently to highways infrastructure, which include:

  • Modular paving, kerb installation, bituminous macadam laying, concreting, pipe laying, landscaping, and drainage repairs
  • Traffic management and seasonal maintenance activities

You must by over the age of 16, have attained or be working towards obtaining a full UK Driving Licence, and have GCSE grades 9*- 4 (A-C) in English and Maths. If not, you must achieve this level before the end-point assessment.

An Apprenticeship with NY Highways

Join NY Highways and play a key role in operating, maintaining, and improving North Yorkshire's road network. We are dedicated to the ongoing development and training of our staff, offering relevant courses to support your career progression in Highways.

With an apprenticeship, you can help keep the county moving while building a rewarding career. Earn a salary, gain practical work experience, and achieve professional qualifications.

Supported by experienced colleagues and learning providers, you'll develop your skills and knowledge in highways maintenance, working towards a Level 2 Apprenticeship as a Highways Operative.

Joining us before the learning starts in August/September 2025, you can expect a mix of both practical work and theory-based learning at college.

These roles require operating machinery on public highways and/or driving vehicles regularly. NY Highways prioritises the health and safety of employees and the public. Successful candidates will undergo alcohol and drugs testing as part of the recruitment process and during employment.

Find out more about our Rewards and Benefits by clicking here.

For more information on the role responsibilities, download the Job Description by clicking here.

How to Apply

To apply, click the "Apply" button to complete a short application form which includes uploading a copy of your CV.

You can start, save and come back to your application, but before you hit submit please ensure your application includes your contact details, employment history if applicable, and details of your education and any qualifications.

For a confidential and informal discussion about this role or the recruitment process, of if you require further support with your application contact Bradley on Bradley.Naylor@northyorks.gov.uk or at 01609 534365.

Key Dates

The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday 9th April 2025.

Interviews are planned to take place on Friday 25th April 2025. This day will provide an opportunity for successfully shortlisted candidates to find out more about NY Highways from leaders within the organisation, networking opportunities with other apprentices, as well as further information on the apprenticeship programme. Candidates successful in progressing to interview will be required to attend for the day.

We reserve the right to remove this vacancy in the event of the position being filled before the proposed deadline.

NY Highways is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief.

We will not accept applications from agencies and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.

At NY Highways, safety is a core principle. We are dedicated to the health and safety of our employees and the public. To maintain a safe work environment, we enforce a strict substance misuse policy. Employees must report to work fit for duty and free from drugs or alcohol. New employees will undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing, with random tests conducted throughout employment. Adherence to this policy is essential for upholding our safety standards and ensuring the integrity of our operations.

Good luck with your application