Contents

  1. Career development and progression with Bexley Council
  2. Place Directorate - Neighbourhoods, Housing and Strategic Planning
  3. E-learning – mandatory training
  4. Highways, Traffic and Infrastructure
  5. Environmental services
  6. Economic development and skills
  7. Libraries and communities
  8. Strategic planning: Transport and development, planning policy, place making and building control
  9. Planning and regulations
  10. Housing services
  11. Leisure, parks and open spaces
  12. Parking services

4. Highways, Traffic and Infrastructure

Learning and development opportunities within highways, traffic and infrastructure

Our council is dedicated to offering comprehensive learning and development opportunities for staff working in highways, traffic, and infrastructure. These initiatives are designed to enhance technical skills, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and support career progression through professional qualifications.

Technical and professional qualification training

We provide a variety of technical courses tailored to key areas within highways and infrastructure:

  • Road Maintenance: Training on road repair techniques, resurfacing, and routine maintenance
  • Street Lighting Systems: Training on the design, installation, and maintenance of street lighting infrastructure
  • Parking Design: Courses covering principles of effective parking layout and traffic flow
  • Street Works Certification: An annual certification organised by an external provider, ensuring compliance with national street works regulations
  • Street Cleansing Standards: Regular training from external providers, focused on maintaining public cleanliness and safety
  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) workshops and courses

In addition, we support the professional development of civil engineers through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Engineering Council. Staff are encouraged to pursue chartership via the ICE’s four-step professional development process, offering guidance on achieving professional qualifications. For more information, refer to the ICE’s guide on how to become a professionally qualified civil engineer: How to become a professionally qualified civil engineer at Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Health and safety training

Health and safety are critical within the highways and infrastructure sectors. We offer regular training and updates on safety standards and best practices, including:

  • COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health): Training on the safe management of dangerous materials
  • Lone Working Modules: Training on risk assessments, safety procedures, and preventative measures for employees working alone
  • First Aid and Fire Marshal Training: Opportunities for staff to volunteer for first aid and fire safety training
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): New employees receive comprehensive PPE training during induction to ensure compliance with safety protocols

Project management

We offer project management training to support the effective delivery of infrastructure projects:

  • Project Management Apprenticeships: Tailored training for apprentices starting at level 3 all the way to level 6, including recognised methodologies like PRINCE2

Other learning opportunities:

  • Degree Funding: Employees may apply for funding to pursue degree-level qualifications in transport, traffic management, or related disciplines, subject to individual applications approval
  • Road Safety Engineering Accreditation (by Institute of Highway Engineering IHE): A two-week accreditation programme focused on road safety engineering, ensuring staff are up-to-date with industry standards
  • Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA): Our membership with RoSPA ensures staff are informed on the latest safety standards and accident prevention strategies

Ad hoc research opportunities

We encourage team members to participate in research and knowledge-sharing through regular team meetings. These forums provide opportunities to discuss new trends, explore innovative solutions, and stay informed about the latest technologies and methodologies in traffic and infrastructure management.

Coaching and mentoring programmes

We place a strong emphasis on continuous professional development through structured coaching and mentoring programmes:

  • Coaching Programme: Our internal pool of coaches offers up to six sessions to support self-reflection, performance improvement, and career growth
  • Buddy System for new starters: New employees are paired with experienced colleagues for their first three months to support practical learning through shadowing. This offers opportunities for practical learning, professional growth, and embedding within the team

Through these learning, safety, and development programmes, our council ensures that employees are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in their roles within highways, traffic, and infrastructure.

Progression routes

The career grade system allows officers to progress to more senior grades within a single post as they acquire qualifications, knowledge and experience in their discipline.

Progression route for highways maintenance:

  • Highways & Cleansing Technician grades 6 to 9
  • Highways Infrastructure Manager
  • Area Team Manager

Progression route for street works:

  • Street Works Technician / Inspector
  • Senior Street Works Technician
  • Assistant Street Works Manager
  • Street Works Manager

Progression route for traffic and road safety:

  • Entry level at either Technical Assistant or Apprenticeship route L3 Civil Engineering Technician
  • Traffic Technician
  • Traffic Engineer – required Road Safety Audit Accredited Qn
  • Traffic Services Manager

Progression route for major projects:

  • Entry level as an Apprentice working towards qualification L3 and above
  • Engineer / Technician
  • Technical Engineer
  • Senior Highways Officer / Speciality - Senior Engineer (Bridges Team)
  • Speciality - Highways & Structures Manager – required Chartered Engineer (IENG)/ CENG)
  • Senior Civil Engineer

All these career routes could lead to Head of Services role – must have Chartered Engineer qualification.

Leadership development through Bexley leadership academy

The Bexley Leadership Academy is now open to staff at all levels who manage others or are emerging leaders:

  • Leadership Essentials 1: Designed for staff who either manage teams or are aspiring to leadership roles. This course provides training on technical systems, Bexley Council processes, and operational procedures, equipping participants with core managerial skills.
     
  • Leadership Essentials 2: This program focuses on leadership behaviours that align with Bexley Council’s values, culture, and strategic goals, fostering both soft skills and strategic thinking.

Relevant apprenticeships:

  • Level 3 Apprenticeship in Civil engineering technician
  • Level 4 Associate project manager Apprenticeship
  • Level 4/6 Apprenticeship in Construction quantity surveying technician / Construction quantity surveyor (degree)
  • Level 3/4/6 Civil engineer (degree) Apprenticeship
  • Level 3/4/6 Project manager (integrated degree) Apprenticeship

Find out more on apprenticeships