Highways maintenance work brought in-house in Salford

Throughout their training, the apprentices have been mentored by experienced operatives and chargehands, learning essential skills such as gully maintenance, pothole and kerb repairs, and installing signage and guard rails.

The combination of classroom learning and on-the-job development is supporting them to become skilled highway operatives.

Jacob Baker, a trainee, said: “Being part of the highway maintenance apprenticeship has been a great experience for me. I’ve been able to put what I learned at City Skills into practice on real schemes, working alongside experienced operatives who’ve helped me build my skills and confidence.

“I’ve had the chance to get involved in a variety of jobs from pothole repairs to laying bitmac and kerbs to the correct levels. It’s given me a really good understanding of how everything fits together on site, and I feel like I’m progressing well towards becoming a fully skilled highways operative."

Rob Crawford, a chargehand, said: “Jacob has come on really well over the last couple of years. He’s shown a great attitude to learning and always gets stuck in with any job he’s given. His skills and confidence have grown a lot, especially on scheme work, and he’s now a key part of the team. It’s great to see his progress and the pride he takes in what he does.”

Councillor Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support, said:  “Well done to all four apprentices. Salford is committed to lifelong learning and apprenticeships are a great way of learning new skills. By investing in our local people and developing our workforces we are building a team that is fit for the future. All this work has such  a positive effect on our communities across the city.”