Trainee Operative

Volkerrail Group; City of London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in construction is seeking Trainee Operatives in London starting July 2026, offering a full-time role and a Level 2 apprenticeship in Highways Maintenance. No prior experience is necessary, as full training will be provided. This position promises practical skills development within operational teams, structured training, and guaranteed progression. Flexible site locations across the UK with travel and accommodation covered for the trainees.

Benefits

Real site experience

Structured training and support

Paid time for training

Qualifications

• Reliability and motivation to learn required.
• Good timekeeping and a strong focus on safety are essential.
• Willingness to obtain a CSCS card.
• Ability to travel to various site locations.

Responsibilities

• Support project activities alongside experienced operatives.
• Learn safe task execution standards.
• Use tools and equipment safely.
• Attend CITB training and apply on-site learning.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions.

Skills

Interest in construction

Motivated

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Safety focus

Job description

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.

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.

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 site

About 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 duties

Maths and English

You do not need to already hold GCSE Maths or English to apply. If required, support will be provided as part of the apprenticeship to help you achieve the appropriate level alongside your job.

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 for 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.
• A permanent job with structured training and support
• A nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to GCSE level)
• Real site experience, mentoring and clear progression opportunities as you develop

Application process

If you feel this could be the role for you, please email [e-mail] to request a full information pack and application form.

Fairness, 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 [e-mail]

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 to [e-mail]

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.