Heidelberg Materials endorse ROAD programme
Company supports new London training facility with major asphalt donation
HEIDELBERG Materials UK are supporting a new training facility developed by Kenson Highways, in partnership with New City College in East London, to equip the next generation of road workers with the skills needed to build and maintain the network.
The collaboration is one of the first of its kind in the UK, with Kenson Highways investing directly in college facilities to deliver a bespoke highways apprenticeship programme.
Designed to fast-track new entrants into highways maintenance, the employer-led Recruitment and Onboarding for Apprentices in Development (ROAD) programme blends structured classroom learning with practical, on-site experience to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Heidelberg Materials have supported the initiative by supplying more than 200 tonnes of asphalt from their Dagenham plant to help construct a realistic road at New City College’s new street works training facility in the London Borough of Havering.
On completion of the six-week course, participants will achieve the City & Guilds Street Works Operative qualification and receive a guaranteed interview with a local employer, strengthening the pathway from education into skilled industry roles.
‘This is a fantastic initiative that opens up a clear pathway into employment in the highways sector for a range of candidates, including those facing barriers to work,’ said Paul O’Neill, asphalt regional director at Heidelberg Materials UK. ‘It will help build the reliable pipeline of skilled workers our industry so desperately needs and supports our aim of encouraging more young people to consider a career in the construction industry, as well as our commitment to delivering social value.’
The facilities at the training centre include footways, carriageways, streetlighting, and utilities, where apprentices will be taught practical skills such as the excavation and reinstatement of highways.
Jonathan Yabsley, director at Kenson Highways, said: ‘We’re proud to be investing directly in college training facilities for the highways sector. This employer-led collaboration will help shape the next generation of skilled operatives, creating genuine employment pathways and raising standards across our industry.’
Colleen Marshall, principal at New City College Rainham, added: ‘This partnership is a powerful example of how education and industry can work together to solve real workforce challenges. Kenson Highways’ investment represents more than new equipment – it’s a shared commitment to creating opportunities, supporting local people into sustainable jobs, and ensuring London has the skilled workforce it needs.’
