Tramway Construction Operative

On a tramway construction operative apprenticeship course, you’ll be responsible for activities in the construction and renewal of tramways.

A tramway construction operative is responsible for activities such as setting up and maintaining a temporary traffic management system, lifting and moving large and irregularly shaped loads, installing and removing temporary works, using a variety of handheld tools, equipment, and items of plant and being able to carry out site clearance activities such as the removal of waste items and the storage of reusable materials and combustible materials.

You will work in shifts and outdoors in this position, typically in inner-city or town surroundings.

A thorough understanding of the environment, including how pedestrianised and road traffic areas interact, as well as the relationships between the relevant stakeholders, is required, as is a thorough understanding of the effect the works (noise, dust, vibration, traffic control and management systems) can have on the surrounding environment.

What you’ll learn

On a tramway construction operative apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Contribute to safe working practises by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and following the correct rules relating to safe work systems in the Tramway environment, such as working at heights, in confined spaces/trenches, and on or near roads or tracks.
• Access and follow information and documentation to support construction and renovation activities, such as method statements, risk assessments, plans, specifications, and manuals.
• Choose, inspect, and prepare hand tools, equipment, and plant items to support construction and renewal activities, ensuring that calibration tolerances are met where applicable.
• Set up and operate a temporary traffic control system and build barriers, signage, and pedestrian walkways as required.
• Use appropriate technology and verbal and nonverbal communication methods to communicate essential and technical information to colleagues and customers in a clear and timely way.
• Carry out site clearance tasks, such as rubbish disposal and the storage of reusable items and components.
• Handle mistakes and accidents by taking precautions to protect oneself and others, such as lowering the risk of a cable strike and delivering first aid.
• Handle conflict and/or troublesome behaviour by de-escalating situations and providing risk-averse, positive assistance.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Depending on the employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent or relevant experience.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods: 

• Practical Test 
• Professional Discussion 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 2 Tramway Construction Operative Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.