Apprentice General Operative

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship – Level 2

Location: Luton

Contract: Full‑time, 40 hours per week

Salary: Up to £10 per hour (first year)

Start: September 2026 (College programme in Hampshire/West Sussex begins September/October 2026)

Volker Highways is a leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting maintenance contracts for local authorities. We deliver public realm infrastructure projects and are independent specialist traffic management contractors.

This is the ideal opportunity if you are looking for your first role in the construction industry.

We’re looking to strengthen our business by recruiting an early‑career cohort in 2026 and have an exciting opportunity for a number of apprentice general operatives to join our project teams across the south of the UK.

This is a full‑time role where you’ll learn on the job while working towards a nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship in Highways Maintenance. Attendance at college will be required in blocks of at least a week with overnight accommodation provided.

You’ll join an operational project team and develop practical skills through a mix of real site experience and structured training. Apprenticeships combine work with study, including paid time during your working hours for training and learning.

No previous construction experience is required – full training and support will be provided.

What you’ll be doing

• Working alongside experienced operatives to support project operational activities such as kerb laying, footway works, drainage repairs and installation, asphalt and patching works, general civils and groundworks.
• Learning how to carry out tasks safely and to the required standard.
• Using tools, plant and equipment safely (with training and authorisation).
• Attending training blocks and applying what you learn back on site.
• Following health, safety, wellbeing and environmental procedures.
• Keeping work areas tidy and safe.
• Reporting hazards, near misses or unsafe conditions.
• Representing Volker Highways professionally on site.

We’re looking for someone reliable, motivated and keen to learn, who enjoys practical, physical, outdoor work and working as part of a team.

You’ll need:

• An interest in construction and working outdoors.
• A positive attitude, good time‑keeping and a strong focus on safety.
• A flexible approach to working hours as this can involve early starts, night work, weekends and working shifts.
• Commitment to attending and completing training as scheduled.
• Willingness to obtain a CSCS card if you don’t already have one.
• Although a driving licence is not required at application stage, you must be willing to work towards a full UK driving licence during the apprenticeship, as it will be needed for operational duties.

Maths and English

You do not need to already hold GCSE Maths or English to apply. If required, support will be provided as part of the apprenticeship to help you achieve the appropriate level alongside your job.

Volker Highways operates under the umbrella of Volker Wessels UK, a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water and environmental infrastructure.

With this Apprenticeship, you’ll benefit from:

• A permanent job with structured training and support.
• A nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to GCSE level).
• Real site experience, mentoring and progression opportunities as you develop.
• Company benefits package including pension, retail discounts and 23 days paid annual leave.

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. Our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, Volker Wessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

Volker Wessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.

For support with your application, please contact Natasha Sattar at Nata