About us

Salford is a city undergoing significant transformation. At the heart of this change is our commitment to becoming a modern, inclusive and sustainable city a place where people are supported to thrive.

As a forward-thinking, values-led organisation, Salford City Council offers a supportive working environment where learning, collaboration and personal development are actively encouraged. We are committed to investing in future talent and providing meaningful career pathways within civil engineering and highways.

We are now offering an exciting opportunity to join our Highway Network and Asset Management Team as a Trainee Civil Engineering Technician (Apprentice).

About the Role

As a Trainee Civil Engineering Technician (Apprentice), you will learn how the city’s highways and drainage assets are designed, maintained and managed. Working alongside experienced Engineers and the Team Leader, you’ll gain hands-on experience while studying towards a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician qualification at Salford City College.

Full training, supervision and support will be provided throughout your apprenticeship, giving you an excellent foundation for a long-term career in civil engineering.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting Engineers, Assistant Engineers and the Team Leader in the maintenance and improvement of highways and drainage across the city
• Assisting with the delivery of highway maintenance and investment programmes
• Helping ensure work is delivered safely, to the correct standards, on time and within budget
• Learning to prepare simple design solutions that meet project requirements and constraints
• Producing and updating technical drawings using AutoCAD and other software (training provided)
• Assisting with site information, surveys, reports, drawings and written documents
• Supporting the development and presentation of engineering options
• Requesting scheme permits via Street Manager (training provided)
• Storing and archiving relevant scheme information
• Communicating professionally with Councillors, contractors and members of the public
• Responding to basic enquiries by phone, email or in person, with support when required
• Assisting with liaising with contractors and suppliers to ensure work meets specifications
• Contributing positively to a supportive, inclusive and collaborative team environment

Key outcomes

• Assist in assessing and delivering highway and drainage service requests
• Support Engineers with technical information for Council Members and officers
• Prepare CAD drawings and supporting scheme information
• Attend meetings to observe and contribute where appropriate
• Help monitor budgets, resources and performance information (KPIs)
• Provide clear and helpful information to members of the public
• Support the efficient and effective delivery of highway services

What we need from you

• A genuine interest in civil engineering, highways or construction
• Willingness and commitment to complete a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English, or a relevant Level 2 qualification
• Basic IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel) and an interest in learning AutoCAD
• Communicating clearly and working collaboratively to ensure everyone can contribute effectively and succeed.
• An understanding of the importance of health, safety and the environment (training provided)
• The ability to demonstrate and develop the Council’s values and behaviours

This role offers an excellent opportunity to begin and develop a career in highway engineering, gaining practical experience alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic and supportive environment, while working towards a recognised Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician qualification.

About you

You’ll be someone who is eager to learn, motivated to succeed and interested in building a career in civil engineering or highways. You’ll demonstrate our core values by:

• Showing enthusiasm and commitment to developing new technical skills
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders
• Taking responsibility for your learning and day-to-day tasks
• Communicating clearly and professionally with others
• Demonstrating care and attention while supporting one another to deliver the best possible outcomes.

You don’t need prior experience in highway engineering just a genuine interest in the field and a willingness to learn through both practical experience and college study.

The recruitment process will involve three stages. Shortlisted applicants will first participate in an initial telephone pre-screening to discuss their application and suitability for the role. Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to complete both a practical and theoretical assessment to evaluate. Those who perform well in these assessments will then be invited to attend a final face-to-face interview.