Colas Ltd
Apprentice Engineer

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Colas Ltd
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.
Purpose of the Role
Colas Ltd. have an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Engineer to join our team on a 36-month Apprenticeship programme based at our Guilden Sutton depot, CH3 7EX. You’ll have the opportunity to build a career in civil and highway engineering while gaining valuable hands-on experience and working towards a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician qualification. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and construction professionals, supporting the design, maintenance and improvement of highways and infrastructure across Cheshire West & Chester.
You’ll gain practical experience both in the office and out on site, getting involved in inspections, surveys, technical drawings, data collection and live engineering projects. You’ll learn how engineering projects are delivered safely, efficiently and sustainably, while developing the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed for a successful career in civil engineering.
Alongside your workplace experience, you’ll attend Liverpool College as part of your apprenticeship, giving you the opportunity to put your learning into practice in a real working environment.
Main Responsibilities
You’ll support our engineering team across a variety of activities, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills and experience throughout your apprenticeship. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with inspections and assessments of highways, footways, structures and other infrastructure assets.
- Supporting engineers with highway maintenance and improvement projects.
- Collecting, recording and analysing engineering data, measurements and survey information.
- Supporting the preparation of technical drawings, reports, specifications and project documentation.
- Using and developing your knowledge of CAD, BIM and other engineering software.
- Attending site visits and inspections to monitor project progress, quality and safety.
- Working alongside contractors, suppliers and other project partners.
- Learning and applying engineering principles, construction methods, industry standards and relevant legislation.
- Supporting health, safety, environmental and quality requirements across projects.
- Assisting with investigations into defects, incidents and customer enquiries relating to the highway network.
- Maintaining accurate project records and updating asset management systems.
- Contributing to team meetings and continuous improvement activities.
- Attending college and completing apprenticeship assignments, assessments and portfolio work within agreed timescales.
- Applying the knowledge and skills gained through your apprenticeship to real engineering projects.
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Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in civil engineering, construction, highways or infrastructure who is keen to learn and build a career in the industry. You’ll ideally have A-levels, BTEC, T-Level or equivalent qualifications in Engineering, Construction, Mathematics or a related subject, with GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above. You don’t need extensive work experience — we’re looking for someone who can demonstrate teamwork, communication, problem-solving, organisation and a willingness to learn through education, work experience, volunteering or extracurricular activities. You’ll need to be comfortable working both in an office and outdoors on operational sites, with a driving licence or willingness to work towards one.
Your Development
The Level 3 apprenticeship will develop your skills in engineering principles, technical drawings and CAD/BIM, data analysis, construction, health and safety, sustainability and project management. Subject to successful completion and performance, you could then progress onto a Level 6 degree apprenticeship, giving you the opportunity to continue developing your career while gaining a degree-level qualification.


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Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- An apprentice salary ranging from £16,697.60 and £26,545.71 (dependent on age. Apprentice salary, all first year apprentices will receive 8 p/h)
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 21 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
Our Culture
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
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.
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