Trainee Operative

Start: July 2026 (college programme begins September/October 2026)

Contract: Full-time, 45 hours per week

VolkerLaser repairs, strengthens and waterproofs concrete and steel structures, offering a tailored package of specialist works to clients across the UK. Our structural solutions include bridge deck waterproofing, expansion joints, concrete repair and cathodic protection works, steel repair and strengthening work, carbon fibre and temporary works, jacking and bearing replacement. We also provide specialist lightweight decking and access solutions, as well as being specialists in long bridge and cable refurbishment.

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About the role

Learning about what we do will be really exciting and 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 Trainee Operatives to join our growing project teams across 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, delivered in partnership with the CITB Construction College.

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.

Find a full job description . You can also click for your training plan.

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 activities
Learning how to carry out tasks safely and to the required standard
Using tools, plant and equipment safely (with training and authorisation)
Attending CITB 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 VolkerLaser professionally on siteAbout you

We're looking for someone reliable, motivated and keen to learn, who enjoys practical, outdoor work and working as part of a team.

You'll need

An interest in construction or working outdoors
A positive attitude, good timekeeping and a strong focus on safety
Commitment to attending and completing CITB training as scheduled
Willingness to obtain a CSCS card if you don't already have one
Ability to travel to depot and site locations as required. The role of trainee operative will be based on a site that may not be close to your home and you could be based on any VolkerLaser site across the UK. All travel and hotel accommodation costs will be paid for.
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 dutiesMaths and English

If you are under the age of 19 when the apprenticeship begins in September 2026, you are required to have Maths and English Scottish Highers level 4.

Training and development

You'll complete the Highways Maintenance Operative - Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll be given paid time during your working week for training and study (a minimum of 20% off-the-job learning), alongside hands-on experience on site.

Why work with us?

VolkerLaser 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.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerLaser are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

Competitive salary
Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
Option to buy additional annual leave
Private medical care
Pension
Life Assurance
Cycle to Work scheme
Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
Employee Assistance programme
Mental health, physical health, and financial support
24/7 Virtual GP serviceFairness, 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

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

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