Apprentice Opportunities
The SWTRA Apprenticeships programme allows you to gain the training, experience and support you need to build a good start for you career and more importantly earn and learn.
We are in the process of developing pathways across a range of disciplines which we hope will be available soon but currently the main pathway available is the Civil Engineering Pathway.
View our Apprenticeship video (Welsh language)
View our Apprenticeship video (English language)
YOUR CAREER JOURNEY STARTS WITH US
SWTRA is an exciting place to work. We have progressive policies and a commitment to training and development.
We want to attract the very best talent to work and develop their careers with us and under our “grow your own initiative” we are looking to recruit, train and develop candidates providing them with the range of experience and skills to progress both professionally and within the organisation.
"The mix between studying and work was perfect for me"
Evan Phillips - Level 3 Apprentice
LEVEL 3 PROFESSIONAL APPRENTICE ROUTE
– CIVIL ENGINEERING –
You will join our asset management division where you will experience the full range of work associated with inspect, manage and maintain the asset in accordance with Welsh Government’ standards.
Your rotations will start in the inspection teams where you learn how to undertake a range of inspections and understand how assets perform and are maintained, and how to record their condition.
The role will be a balance of both desk based and outdoor inspection, and assessment work on the network. If you enjoy a varied workload, then this is the role for you.
EDUCATION
By choosing this apprenticeship, you will be given the opportunity to gain;
- Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment
- Edexel Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians (ICE)QCF
- HNC Level 4 in Construction and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering Technicians
"You make new friends, and I get experiences that I wouldn't get to have if I'd stayed in university"
Jay Price - Level 4 Apprentice
APPRENTICE SCHEME
- Starting Salary of £23,656 per annum.
- Hybrid working, 3 days in the office / on site and 1 day from home, 1day at College.
- Access to flexitime.
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 32 days after 5 years.
- Successful completion of this programme may lead to an offer of a Technician position, subject to availability and eligibility.
"Earning whilst I'm learning suits me a lot better.
Definitely the best thing I've done is join the apprenticeship."
Kieran Griffiths - Level 4 Apprentice
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- You will need a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grades A*-C (these must include English, Maths and a Science)
- Must hold a drivers licence and have access to a vehicle (for commute to work and College)
HOW TO APPLY
This scheme is administered on our behalf by the Welsh Apprenticeship Alliance. The scheme will open on the 3rd February 2025 and close on 11th April 2025.
Applications will be via the Welsh Government website www.gov.wales/find-apprenticeship
Colleges which offer the course are: Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Gwent, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, and Coleg Y Cymoedd (Ystrad Mynach).
LEVEL 2/3 FOUNDATION APPRENTICE PATHWAY
Apprentice High Speed Road Skilled Operative – (24 – 30 months)
You will join our Trunk Road Services department who are our dedicated direct works section and who are responsible for the safe delivery of all routine, cyclic and reactive maintenance over central area covering 275km of strategic road network.
If you want to work outdoors and develop a range of skills and accreditations then this is the role for you.
You will be supported to undertake a BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Construction Occupations and NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations.
You will be supported to progress within the organisation as you gain knowledge and experience. Your earning potential will increase at each stage.
STARTING BASIC SALARY
AGE
UNDER 18
18 – 20
21 – 22
23+
ANNUAL TOTAL (2025)
£5.28/hr – £10,186.66 per annum
£7.49.hr – £14,450.39 per annum
£10.18/hr – £19,640.18 per annum
£10.42/hr – £20,103.21 per annum
Successful completion of this programme may lead to an offer of a Semi Skilled Operative position, subject to availability and eligibility at Grade 4 (basic salary of £24,790 – £26,409).
This scheme is administered on our behalf by the Construction Hub Academy and vacancies will be advertised on the SWTRA section of the NPT Jobs section www.npt.gov.uk/jobs
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- You will need a good level of numeracy, literacy and basic IT skills.
- Must hold a drivers licence and have access to a vehicle (for commute to work and College) and be able to attend one of our depots at Ynysforgan (Swansea), Goatmill Road (Merthyr) or Pencoed (Bridgend).
- 25 days of annual leave per year, rising to 32 after 5 years’ service.
- 8 Bank holidays , plus one extra statutory day.
- Hybrid working and flexible hours (for some roles.)
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
- Relocation scheme (subject to conditions.)
- Incremental pay increase.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Life Assurance Scheme.
- In-house Occupational Health unit.
- Time to Change Wales Employer.
- Staff Health & Wellbeing Group and online staff portal to enable staff to access help, support and resources for their health and wellbeing.
Current Apprentice Opportunities
Level 3 Professional Apprentice - Civil Engineering
Job reference:
Location:
Salary: Starting Salary of £23,656 per annum.
Package includes: Option to hybrid working, 3 days in the office / on site and 1 day from home, 1day at College, access to flexitime, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 32 days after 5 years. Successful completion of this programme may lead to an offer of a Technician position, subject to availability and eligibility.
Closing Date: 11th April 2025
Applications will be via the Welsh Government website www.gov.wales/find-apprenticeship