Colas Ltd
Skilled Operative

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About 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 1,500 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
Join our surfacing team delivering high-quality surfacing schemes across the North West. The role involves machine surfacing and handlay operations, requiring teamwork, safety awareness, and attention to quality. As an Operative, you will report into the Surfacing Manager.
Main Responsibilities
- Follow Risk Assessments, Method Statements, and safe working procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
- Perform machine surfacing and handlay tasks to a high standard.
- Report plant and vehicle defects and assist with maintenance processes.
- Support site planning by managing labour, plant, materials, and subcontractors.
- Keep accurate records to support contract performance and financial reporting.
- Provide practical support and leadership to site personnel.
- Maintain positive relationships with clients and the public.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience in surfacing operations and knowledge of machine surfacing and handlay techniques. Familiarity with health and safety practices on construction or highways projects is important. You should be able to follow Risk Assessments closely and report equipment defects confidently. We are looking for a reliable team player with good communication and organizational skills, willing to work across the North West. Relevant qualifications such as CSCS, CPCS, or NVQ are a plus, though practical experience will be considered.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- A salary between £160 and £189 daily
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme, which is x4 basic salary
- 21 days of annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Family-Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- 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 prioritize 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.


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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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