Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
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Are you looking for a career where no two days are the same? Do you enjoy practical, hands-on work and want to earn while you learn?
At Colas, we're looking for 2 x motivated individuals to join our team as Electrical & Technology Apprentices to be based at our Hilton Park depot, WV11 2AT. This is an exciting opportunity to kick-start your career while working towards a Level 2 Highway Electrical Maintenance and Installation Operative Apprenticeship with Nottingham College.
As an Electrical & Technology Apprentice, you'll begin an exciting career maintaining the electrical and technology assets that keep the UK's strategic road network safe and operational. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll gain hands-on experience installing, maintaining and repairing a variety of roadside technology, including street lighting, traffic signals, illuminated signs, safety cameras and communication systems.
This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, developing valuable technical skills while working towards a nationally recognised qualification and building a long-term career with Colas.
You'll complete a Level 2 Highway Electrical Maintenance and Installation Operative Apprenticeship delivered by Nottingham College (you must be able to travel to college when required).
Over approximately 24 months, you'll combine practical, on-the-job learning with classroom-based study, developing the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified Highway Electrical Operative.
Throughout your apprenticeship you'll learn how to:
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Install, inspect and maintain highway electrical equipment.
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Carry out fault finding and first-line repairs.
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Work safely on live highways and construction sites.
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Install cables and electrical connections.
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Use specialist tools, plant and access equipment (MEWPs).
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Follow health, safety and environmental procedures.
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Plan and organise work activities.
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Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
You'll also work towards nationally recognised qualifications, including:
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Level 2 Highway Electrical Maintenance & Installation Operative Apprenticeship
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Level 2 Certificate in Highway Electrical Work
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Level 2 NVQ in Highway Electrical Systems
Every apprentice is assigned a dedicated mentor who will support your development throughout the programme and help you build the confidence and experience needed to succeed.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship can open the door to further development, including Level 3 qualifications and specialist or supervisory roles within Colas.
As an Electrical & Technology Apprentice, you will:
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Learn alongside experienced engineers, developing practical skills in highway electrical maintenance.
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Assist with the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of roadside electrical and technology assets.
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Attend Nottingham College and successfully complete all apprenticeship training, coursework and assessments.
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Gain knowledge of highway electrical systems, tools, equipment and industry best practice.
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Support planned maintenance, reactive repairs and emergency response activities across the Area 9 network.
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Follow all Health, Safety and Environmental requirements, ensuring safe working practices at all times.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues while developing confidence to work independently as your skills grow.
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Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrate a willingness to learn and actively contribute to the team.
We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable and keen to build a career in highway electrical maintenance.
You'll ideally:
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Enjoy practical, hands-on work and working outdoors.
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Have an interest in electrical engineering, technology or construction.
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Be motivated to learn new skills and develop professionally.
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Be a strong team player with good communication skills.
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Have good numeracy and a good general standard of education.
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Be organised, reliable and able to manage your own workload.
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Be adaptable and able to work in a variety of environments and weather conditions.
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Have a positive approach to health and safety.
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Be comfortable working at height and using specialist equipment (full training will be provided).
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Hold a full UK driving licence.
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Be able to travel to Nottingham College when required for your apprenticeship training.
No previous highway or electrical experience is required—just a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in starting a rewarding career with Colas.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
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An apprentice salary rate (dependent on age)
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Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
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Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
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21 days annual leave per year inclusive of bank holidays
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Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
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Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
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Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
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Ongoing personal / professional development
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Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
