Job Description

Road Workers help repair and build roads and motorways, they will lay drains, kerbs and pipes as well as operating plant and equipment.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could take a college course in Construction as this would teach you some of the skills needed for the role. You could then try to find a job as a trainee.

You'll usually need:

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Construction:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You could do a road surfacing operative intermediate apprenticeship, or highways maintenance intermediate apprenticeship.

You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Direct application

You may be able to apply for jobs if you've got experience in other areas of construction work, like labouring.

Career Tips

You'll need to:be over 18 years of age and have a full driving licence

You may need to join the Street Works Qualifications Register and get a safety card, depending on your job.

You can find out more about training as a road worker from Go Construct.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could become a road works team supervisor, known as a 'ganger'.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Construction labourer
Construction plant operator
Water network operative

Required Skills

A good level of fitness
practical skills
the ability to work as part of a team
follow written and verbal instructions
flexible with working hours as weekend and late nights may be required
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Salary Range

£16,000 to £40,000

Road Worker