Apprentice General Operative

VolkerFitzpatrick Limited; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 827,000 - 1,378,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Retail discounts

23 days annual leave

Job summary

VolkerHighways in West Sussex offers an early careers opportunity for 2026, recruiting apprentice general operatives to join project teams across the south of the UK. The role is full-time and combines on-the-job learning with a nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship in Highways Maintenance, including college blocks and overnight accommodation.

You’ll work with experienced operatives on kerb laying, drainage, and civils, with training and safety as priorities, and with a structured

Qualifications

• No prior construction experience required; full training and support provided.
• Interest in construction and outdoor work and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate as part of project teams across the south of the UK.
• Learn site tasks such as kerb laying, drainage, civils and groundworks.
• Attend training blocks and apply what you learn on site.
• Follow health, safety, wellbeing and environmental procedures.

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Job description

Location: West Sussex

Salary: Up to £10 p/h + Course fees & Company benefits

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

About us

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

About the role

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 careers 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 and 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 VolkerHighways professionally on site

About you

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 timekeeping 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
• A driving licence is not required at application stage, but 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.

Why work with us?

VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

With this Apprenticeship, you'll get:

• 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.

Fairness, inclusion and respect

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

If you need support with your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to [e-mail]

VolkerWessels 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.