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. has an exciting opportunity for a Street Lighting Electrician Apprentice to join our ITS team in Peacehaven, BN10 8AP, on a 24-month fixed-term contract.
As an apprentice, you'll have the opportunity to learn while you work, gaining valuable hands-on experience alongside qualified electricians and engineers.
You will mainly work on the Brighton & Hove Street Lighting Maintenance Contract, working on behalf of the City Council. You'll help our team maintain and repair street lighting, while developing the practical skills and knowledge needed to build a career as a qualified electrician.
During your apprenticeship, you will:
- Work towards a recognised Level 2 Installation and Maintenance Electrician qualification
- Attend college in Eastbourne on day release
- Gain practical experience working alongside experienced electricians and engineers
- Learn how to install, maintain and repair electrical equipment
- Complete additional Health & Safety and role-specific training
- Have opportunities to gain experience on other Colas projects as you develop
The apprenticeship will run for 2 years, with working hours of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, during the day.
If you already hold a Level 2 Electrician qualification, you may have the opportunity to progress onto a Level 3 qualification with us.
Please note: Applicants who already hold an Electrician Level 3 qualification or above will not be eligible for this apprenticeship.
Main Responsibilities
As a Street Lighting Electrician Apprentice, you'll learn from experienced members of the team while supporting the delivery of street lighting maintenance.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting qualified electricians with street lighting maintenance and repairs
- Helping to identify and resolve electrical faults
- Supporting the installation and maintenance of street lighting equipment
- Learning how to use tools and equipment safely and correctly
- Keeping accurate records of work completed
- Reporting progress and any issues to the Street Lighting Supervisor
- Working closely with colleagues, engineers, suppliers and customers
- Supporting planned maintenance activities
- Following instructions and learning new electrical techniques
- Taking part in training and development activities
- Looking for ways to improve how work is carried out and sharing ideas with your team
- Following all Health & Safety procedures and helping to keep yourself and those around you safe
- Setting a positive example and maintaining a professional approach at all times
- Carrying out other reasonable duties as required as part of your development
This is a learning role, so you won't be expected to know everything from day one. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues while you develop your practical skills and confidence.
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking and keen to start a career in electrical engineering.
You could be a great fit for this apprenticeship if you:
- Have a minimum Grade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths and English
- Are interested in becoming a qualified electrician
- Are a school or college leaver looking to start your career
- Are enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills
- Enjoy practical, hands-on work
- Have a positive attitude and take pride in your work
- Can work well as part of a team
- Are also comfortable working independently
- Have good communication skills and are confident speaking to others
- Are comfortable using computers and Microsoft Office
- Are happy working outdoors in different weather conditions
- Are comfortable working at heights
- Understand the importance of working safely and following instructions
- Are reliable, punctual and willing to get involved
- Have a full UK driving licence or are working towards one (desirable)
Most importantly, we're looking for someone with the right attitude and willingness to learn. You don't need to have previous electrical experience — we'll help you develop the skills and knowledge you need throughout your apprenticeship.
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 recieve 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
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.
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.
