Overview
Road workers build and repair roads and motorways. They use things like concrete, tarmac and crushed stone. They spread this on the ground then press it down to make a smooth surface.
Activities
- Build, widen and resurface roads
- Repair cracks, potholes and other damage
- Lay pavements, kerbs and drains
- Maintain roadside verges and central reservations
- Paint road markings
- Install crash barriers, road signs, traffic lights and street lamps
- Dig trenches for cables and pipes
- Operate power tools and machinery
- Direct traffic around road works
- Grit roads and clear snow in winter
- Lead a team of workers
Organisations
Road workers are employed by lots of different organisations like building firms, civil engineering companies, local councils and gas, electricity and water companies.
Workplace
Road workers mainly work outdoors. They can work in all weathers and in noisy conditions.
Working Hours
Road workers usually do between 37 and 40 hours a week. They sometimes have to do overtime to get a job finished and they can work any time of the night or day including evenings, weekends, nights and early morning starts.
Salary
New workers start around £23,042. – 15.4% decline leading to: 3,358 fewer jobs by 2027.
Qualifications
You do not have to pass set school exams to become a road worker. You may be able to apply for jobs if you’ve got experience in other areas of construction work, like labouring or groundwork. Some employers may require some GCSEs, however some will be more flexible.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.
College – you could start off with a Certificate in Pathways to Construction in Entry Level 3 or Level 1 if you have no formal qualifications.