Road worker

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be a road works team supervisor, known as a 'ganger'.

You could do further training to become a highways technician or electrician, designing and installing street lighting, traffic signals and road safety measures. You could also become a highways inspector, checking for road damage and the quality of repair works.

Another option is to move into the wider construction industry or work as a self-employed contractor.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• physical fitness and endurance
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• have a full driving licence

You may need to join the Street Works Qualifications Register and get a safety card, depending on your job.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Design and Technology - Road workers use a wide range of tools, machinery, and construction techniques to build and repair roads, drains, and pathways. Understanding materials, how they behave under stress, and practical problem-solving skills are central to getting the job done safely and effectively.
• Mathematics - Road workers need to measure distances, calculate material quantities, and read technical plans when laying surfaces or digging trenches. Getting measurements right is essential for ensuring roads are level, drainage works properly, and materials aren't wasted.
• Physics - Road workers deal with forces, loads, and the physical properties of materials like asphalt, concrete, and aggregate every day. Understanding how heat affects road surfaces, how drainage relies on gradients, and how machinery generates force helps them carry out repairs and construction effectively.
• Engineering - Road workers operate plant machinery like mechanical diggers and power tools, and work on infrastructure including tunnels, drains, and cable installations. Understanding engineering principles helps them maintain complex equipment and build structures that are safe and durable.

Also relevant

• Geography - Road workers need to understand how weather, terrain, and drainage patterns affect road conditions and construction. Knowledge of landscapes, soil types, and environmental factors helps when planning where to dig trenches or how to manage water runoff.
• Business - Road workers can progress to supervisory roles or become self-employed contractors. Understanding how to manage budgets, price jobs, and run a small business is valuable for those looking to advance their career or work independently.
• Chemistry - Road workers work with materials like asphalt, bitumen, and concrete, which behave differently depending on temperature and composition. Understanding the basic chemistry of these materials helps when mixing, laying, and curing road surfaces to ensure they last.