Apprentice Highways Operative

Equans UK & Ireland; Chester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days annual leave (+ public hols)

Private GP appointments

Employee discount shopping schemes

Cycle to work scheme

CSR days (2)

Job summary

Equans UK & Ireland invites applications for an Apprentice Highway Operative to train in highways maintenance and electrical assembly. The role offers full training with supervision across installation, maintenance and safety tasks in Chester and surrounding areas.

GCSEs in Maths, English and Science are required with a willingness to pursue an NVQ Level 2 in Highway Electrical Systems and an ECS Apprentice Card. A full UK driving licence is preferred and no prior industry experience is needed.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English, and Science – Grade 4/C or above.
• Willingness to work toward the NVQ Level 2 in Highway Electrical Systems apprenticeship standard.
• Willingness to obtain an ECS Apprentice Card.
• Full UK driving licence or working toward obtaining one.

Responsibilities

• Assist column installation crews on new installations and replacements.
• Assist qualified electricians in installation, repair, and maintenance of street lighting assets.
• Support fault-finding activities and carry out basic electrical checks under supervision.
• Follow safety policies and risk assessments when working on highways and electrical systems.
• Prepare tools, equipment, and materials needed for site tasks; maintain clean, safe work areas and vehicles.
• Record work completed, materials used, and asset information using handheld devices or job sheets.
• Interact professionally with the public, colleagues and contractors on site.

Skills

Interest in electrical work

Demonstrated hands-on aptitude

Education

GCSEs Maths English Science (Grade 4/C or above)

NVQ Level 2 in Highway Electrical Systems apprenticeship (willingness to work toward)

ECS Apprentice Card (willingness to obtain)

Full UK driving licence (or working toward)

Job description

Join Equans, a leading energies and services contractor and a proud member of the global industrial group, Bouygues. With a rich history of excellence in designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings and critical infrastructure worldwide, we are now offering an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Highway Operative within our Connected Cities business supporting our projects in Chester and the surrounding area.

General overview

To work and train under supervision and to achieve an apprenticeship in Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative L2.

Key activities

1. Installation & Maintenance Support

• Assist Column installation crews on new installations and replacements
• Assist qualified electricians in the installation, repair, and maintenance of street lighting assets, including columns, lanterns, cabling, and control equipment.
• Support fault-finding activities and carry out basic electrical checks under supervision.

2. Safety Compliance

• Follow all safety policies, risk assessments, and method statements when working on highways and electrical systems.
• Use PPE correctly and promptly report hazards, near misses, or unsafe conditions.
• Successfully complete all apprenticeship training, coursework, and on-the-job assessments within required timescales.
• Actively seek to increase knowledge of electrical principles, lighting technologies, and industry standards.
• Prepare tools, equipment, and materials needed for site tasks.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organised work areas and vehicles.

5. Record Keeping

• Assist with accurate recording of work completed, materials used, and asset information using handheld devices or job sheets.

6. Customer & Public Interaction

• Behave professionally when interacting with the public, colleagues, or contractors on site.
• Represent the organisation positively, ensuring minimal disruption to road users and communities.

7. Quality & Standards

• Carry out tasks to the required technical and quality standards under the direction of a supervisor or qualified electrician.
• Report defects, asset issues, or installation concerns promptly.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English, and Science – Grade 4/C or above.
• Willingness to work toward the NVQ Level 2 in Highway Electrical Systems apprenticeship standard.
• Willingness to obtain an ECS Apprentice Card.
• Full UK driving licence or working toward obtaining one
• No prior industry experience required — full training will be provided.
• Demonstrated interest in electrical work, engineering, or practical hands‐on tasks

What can we offer you?

• 24 days annual leave(+ public holidays)
• Private GP appointments
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Cycle to work scheme
• 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
• Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
• Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
• Access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in EQUANS), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Persons Network) and our Disability Network
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

Who are we?

EQUANSis a world leader in energy services with nearly 100,000 employees working in more than 50 countries, with an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros.

In the UK & Ireland, EQUANS is a provider of technical, FM, regeneration and energy services – with specialist capabilities in smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables.

EQUANS’ 13,500 UK & Ireland employees combine these activities to help businesses, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero, and also the digital & industrial transitions that are redesigning the way we move, work and live.

EQUANS is a Bouygues group company.

What’s next?

As part of a positive action drive to address under‑representation in senior management positions we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

In support of our positive action measures, we will consider applications that do not meet all the technical requirements if candidates can demonstrate how transferable skills will enable them to successfully deliver the remit of the role in an environment which promotes a flexible working culture.

At Equans we're committed to delivering a culture where everyone's voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you'll find a welcoming and open workplace where you're supported and encouraged to be your true self at work. You'll also have access to our growing employee networks including AccessAbility (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), Veterans & Reservists, WOMEN TOGETHER (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.