How would you describe your current role?

My current role is as a Roadworker 2 which means that I am part of a 3 man mobile team that undertake reactive highways repairs thought Northamptonshire. These can vary from undertaking Cat 1 pothole repairs to carriageway & footway patching and replacing street furniture that is damaged so is vary varied. We are also required to attend highway emergencies & RTC’s during the cause of the day. I have also just passed my Class 2 LGV license and will be part of the Winter Maintenance team that treats the road during the winter months.

 

How did you get into your current role and why did you become an apprentice?

I got into my current role by applying to an advert from Kier looking for Highway Operative Apprentices. I have always been interested in construction helping out when at school within my family undertaking jobs, so when I saw the advert thought this would be an excellent way to get into the Industry and make a career for myself.

 

How much did you know about highways and transportation before you started in this role?  What was your impression of the industry?

I had a basic understanding of construction and manual tasks that are undertaken and the types of tools & equipment that is used, but did not understand all the H&S that is required to undertake tasks and comply to legislation. Also the technical side of Highway Construction and how roads, drainage etc are constructed. My impression of the Industry before I started was that it was very interesting with lots of different types of work and good opportunities to develop into various roles.

My impression of the Industry before I started was that it was very interesting with lots of different types of work and good opportunities to develop into various role

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the varied nature of the works meaning no two days are the same and also the opportunity to use various types of plant & machinery.

 

Which bits of your job are the most challenging?

The most challenging bit of the role is all the paper work and goes along with the jobs ensuring that everything is undertaken correctly, sometimes things on site are not what they appear before arriving so you have to use your initiative to solves construction problems.

You have to use your initiative to solves construction problems

How have you benefitted from your apprenticeship?

I have benefited greatly during my apprenticeship in learning how to undertake repairs, this includes operating machinery, locating underground services, being able to undertake highway repairs independently without supervision, installing traffic management. I can also interpret engineering drawings to construct new infrastructure. I feel I know have the confidence and knowledge through my apprenticeship to run my own gang and in future progress into office roles either as a Supervisor or Technician.

 

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of getting a job in highways and transportation?

Go for it as there are so many different roles within the industry and once you have gained the basic knowledge then you can progress as far as you want to in many different roles.

You can progress as far as you want to in many different roles

How important is it to be part of a professional institution?

I think it is important as they give you support within your roles with information and training. It also enables you to talk to others in similar roles in the Industry. It also may in the future assist in gaining job roles as it shows that as a member you continue to develop your knowledge within the industry on new practices that come on board.

 

In what ways do you make use of being part of a professional institution?

To learn about the industry and new developments within it.

 

How has CIHT supported you in your apprenticeship?  How will CIHT help you in your professional development and furthering your career?

As previously stated in above questions, understanding the industry, what is happening new within it & by gaining a professional accreditation in the future supports me gaining new higher roles within it.

 

Jack Barnes, Highway Operative at Kier (Northampton Highways)

   

CIHT Statement

The opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.