Highway Maintenance

Careers

Transitioning from the British Armed Forces to a civilian career can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. One field that offers stability, opportunities for growth, and the chance to continue serving the public is highway maintenance. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand what's involved in this career, the daily responsibilities, how to leverage your military experience, and the steps to secure a job in highway maintenance.

What's Involved?

Highway maintenance is a vital sector that ensures the safety and efficiency of the road networks across the UK. The role involves maintaining, repairing, and improving highways, motorways, and local roads. This work is critical to keeping the country's transportation system running smoothly and safely, which in turn supports the economy and public services.

In this field, you can expect to engage in various tasks, including road resurfacing, filling potholes, installing road signs, and ensuring proper drainage systems. You'll also be involved in the upkeep of road markings, managing vegetation alongside roads, and responding to emergencies, such as road traffic accidents or severe weather conditions that impact road safety.

Given the importance of the work, roles in highway maintenance require a strong understanding of health and safety regulations, teamwork, and effective communication skills. The job often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and may require night shifts or weekend work to minimize disruption to the public.

The Day Job...

A typical day in highway maintenance can vary depending on your specific role and the needs of the day. However, some common responsibilities include:

• Conducting Inspections: Regularly inspecting roads to identify wear and tear, damage, or other issues that require maintenance.
• Performing Repairs: Carrying out repairs, such as filling potholes, fixing road surfaces, or replacing damaged signs and barriers.
• Traffic Management: Setting up and managing temporary traffic control systems (like cones and traffic lights) to ensure the safety of workers and road users during maintenance work.
• Emergency Response: Responding to incidents that affect road safety, such as clearing debris after accidents or addressing issues caused by severe weather.
• Record-Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of inspections, repairs, and any incidents that occur. This ensures that work is completed efficiently and complies with legal and regulatory standards.

In addition to these tasks, highway maintenance professionals often collaborate with other departments, such as local councils, transportation agencies, and emergency services, to coordinate efforts and ensure that the roads remain safe and accessible.

Skill Up While Serving

Your time in the Armed Forces has provided you with a wealth of transferable skills that are highly valuable in highway maintenance. Some of the key skills include:

• Risk Management: The ability to assess situations, identify potential hazards, and implement safety measures is critical in highway maintenance, where safety is a top priority.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Whether you're leading a team or working as part of one, your experience in the military will have honed your ability to collaborate effectively and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
• Discipline and Reliability: The discipline and commitment you’ve developed in the military are crucial in a field that requires consistent and reliable performance, often under challenging conditions.
• Technical Skills: Depending on your military role, you may already have experience with machinery, tools, and equipment that are also used in highway maintenance, such as vehicles for roadwork or tools for repairs and installations.

Finding a Job within Highway Maintenance

Securing a job in highway maintenance involves understanding the different roles available and targeting the right employers. Positions range from entry-level roles, such as maintenance operatives, to more specialized roles like civil engineers, project managers, or highway inspectors.

Here’s how to start your job search:

• Research Employers: Look for local councils, highway agencies, and private contractors that are responsible for maintaining roads and highways. These organizations frequently have job openings for maintenance staff, engineers, and supervisors.
• Utilize Veteran Support Services: Organizations like the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) offer dedicated support to help ex-service members find employment, including in highway maintenance. They provide job listings, career advice, and workshops to prepare you for civilian employment.
• Network: Connect with professionals already working in the field. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and engage with highway maintenance communities online. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and provide you with valuable industry insights.

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Get Qualified!

While your military experience provides a strong foundation, obtaining relevant qualifications can significantly enhance your job prospects in highway maintenance. Here are some key qualifications to consider:

• NVQ in Highways Maintenance: This vocational qualification is specifically designed for those working or aspiring to work in highway maintenance. It covers areas such as safety, roadworks, and construction practices.
• CSCS Card: The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is often required for construction-related roles, including highway maintenance. It demonstrates that you have the necessary training and qualifications to work safely on-site.
• HGV License: If your role involves operating heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for transporting materials or equipment, obtaining an HGV license is essential.
• Health and Safety Certifications: Courses like the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety can provide you with a solid understanding of the health and safety practices that are critical in highway maintenance.

Use Your ELC

As a service leaver, you may be eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to help fund your training and qualifications. ELCAS-approved courses are available in many of the areas relevant to highway maintenance, including health and safety, construction skills, and specific technical training.

To make the most of your ELC:

• Identify Approved Courses: Check the ELCAS website for a list of approved providers and courses that align with your career goals in highway maintenance.
• Plan Early: Start researching and applying for courses while you’re still in service to ensure a smooth transition into civilian life.
• Speak with a Learning Advisor: If you’re unsure which qualifications will best support your career transition, consult with a learning advisor who can guide you based on your skills and interests.