12AB Trainee Operative

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About

A career as a 12AB Trainee Operative

A 12AB Trainee Operative is someone in the process of obtaining the necessary certificate to become a Traffic Management Operative working on motorways and or high-speed dual carriageways.

They will be starting work for the first time in the temporary traffic management industry, and not hold any current NHSS 12A/B/C/D registration cards or certificates. They will complete “on the job” training and gain experience with their employer.

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Skills/Knowledge

You'll complete a valid NHSS 12 TTMBC (Temporary Traffic Management Basic Course) and will need:

  • a good understanding of spoken and written English

  • a willingness to learn

  • an understanding and commitment to health and safety

Salary
Typical salaries
range from
Typical Hours

37-40 hours per week.

Day to Day

Once training has been completed, you will:

  • be aware of national highway sector schemes (NHSS)

  • be aware of the different types of roads across the UK road network

  • be aware of which roads/works are covered by which NHSS document

  • understand the different terminology used in the temporary traffic management (TTM) industry in relation to different roads

  • be aware of the different classifications of “road users” i.e., pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, etc

  • understand the process(es) required to become a qualified operative and obtain a skills registration card, plus ongoing training to supervisor level

  • be aware of health and safety requirements including risk assessments and method statements

  • understand the variety of TTM equipment and the basic principles of its use

  • understand what constitutes a safety zone

  • be aware of the general PPE requirements

  • be aware of the different types of vehicles used in TTM and where they are used

  • be aware of the safe way to enter/exit a site

  • be aware of the need to maintain sites, and what is involved

  • know how to deal with accidents and emergencies within the works area

Working Environment

You will be working outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear appropriate protection equipment.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

12AB Trainee Operative opportunities and careers paths

After passing the NHSS 12 TTMBC and gaining at least 3 months experience, Trainee Operatives will be able to progress to becoming a Traffic Management Operative working on the UK’s motorways and dual carriageways once they have complete the NHSS 12AB General Operative course.

Industries

12AB Trainee Operative will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.

Highways

The UK and Republic of Ireland’s highways don’t just keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently – they offer lots of interesting career opportunities too.

Building and maintaining the UK’s highways is a huge undertaking. According to the RAC, there over 32,000 miles of major roads in the UK, making up 13% of all roads. An efficient, effective highway network is an important part of our economy – roads connect people to employment, health care, education and leisure, particularly in rural communities who depend on roads for economic growth. Keeping our road network in good working order is vital and each nation has its own dedicated road management agency to plan, design, build and operate major roads.

In the Republic of Ireland, the primary and secondary road network is some 5,306km long and is made up of motorways, dual carriageways and single lane roads.

Hundreds of workers carry out road improvements every day, following a carefully planned programme of maintenance. There are also roles available in planning and building new roads, with a variety of career options to help make sure this vital work is carried out safely and efficiently.

  • There are almost 32,000 miles of major roads in the UK

  • Motorways have the highest average traffic flow with 62,000 vehicles for each mile of motorway per day in 2020

  • Public sector spending on roads in the UK reached nearly £11 billion in 2020/21, with the amount spent on roads by local authorities being consistently higher than that spent on national roads

  • In the Republic of Ireland, €35bn of funding has been allocated for transport projects until 2030

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Qualifications

Qualifications for a 12AB Trainee Operative

These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.

To find out more about qualification levels in the Republic of Ireland, please visit National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQIE)

To find out more about qualification levels in Scotland please visit Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Select level
Title Level
Training for a 12AB Trainee Operative

These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.

About Apprenticeships

Work, earn and learn

Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career. Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn, there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an apprenticeship if you already have a degree.

Apprenticeships for a career as an 12AB Trainee Operative

All about Apprenticeships

Work, earn and learn – no matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can set you up for a bright future.

Let’s get started!

Want to take on an apprentice? Employers start here.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else. But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training. Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.

Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:

  • someone who is just starting their career
  • someone who already has a job and wants to move forward in their company
  • someone who already has a job and wants to retrain to make a career change.

Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages - there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to gain experience, upskill or change career while working.

They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:

  • workplace experience and skills development
  • a nationally recognised qualification
  • employee benefits and a wage
  • no student loans or tuition fees
  • contact with industry professionals.

Vacancies

Interested in becoming an apprentice? Search for current opportunities and apply here.

Find your apprenticeship

You can also check vacancies on employer websites or get in touch with your local careers service.

Apprenticeship Stories

What’s it like to work, earn and learn? Find out what apprentice life is really like.

Explore apprenticeship stories

Alternatives to Apprenticeships

Useful Information

Useful Links

Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
Find out more

Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
Find out more

Transport Scotland
Find out more

National Highways
Find out more

Highways – Welsh Government
Find out more

Department of Infrastructure - Northern Ireland
Find out more

Funding Options

Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training - different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect you to support available:

Skills Hub Scotland

Skills Hub Scotland is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills. Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.

Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech 5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations, Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource. If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider, list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner, use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!

STEM

STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals – this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships, further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!

STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences. They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme

Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes - Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:

Smart Futures helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them. Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM, the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.

Not sure what you want to do?

Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.

If we can support you with any specific information, please click the button below to get in touch.