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NRSWA Streetworks Operative Course
Participate in the NRSWA Operative Course offered by Hurak to acquire the key skills and certification for safe roadwork in the UK. This training is based on the National Road Traffic Safety Act (NRSWA) standards, which means you comply with all requirements and enhance your career prospects in construction and traffic management.
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Course Features
Learning Options
What is the NRSWA Operative Course?
The NRSWA Operative Course, also known as the Streetworks Operative Course, is an obligatory training program for anyone who wants to work safely, legally, and effectively on UK roads.
The course is based on the National Road Traffic Safety Act (NRSWA), which sets the standards and safety regulations for street works across the UK. It aims to ensure that individuals performing roadwork or street repairs are knowledgeable not only about the legal requirements but also about the high safety standards.
The thorough training covers important subjects such as organising traffic management systems, applying safe excavation methods, and repaving roads after repairs. The course also includes emergency response plans to safeguard against such accidents.
💡With the NRSWA Operative Course, you’ll receive the SWQR Yellow Card, commonly known as the Street Works Ticket, which proves your competence and ability to work safely and legally on UK roads.
Who Should Apply for the NRSWA Operative Course?
The NRSWA operative training is a required qualification for anyone performing street works on UK roads, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
If you work in construction, utilities, or traffic management, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to comply with safety norms. The course is intended for:
- Construction Workers and Labourers
- Traffic Management Staff
- Utility Workers
- Site Managers and Supervisors
What Will Be Covered in This Course?
This course consists of nine NRSWA operative units, covering the key skills required to carry out street works safely and in line with UK regulations:
- Unit 1 (LA): Locating and avoiding underground services
- Unit 2 (O1): Signing, lighting, and guarding of works
- Unit 3 (O2): Excavation in the highway
- Unit 4 (O3): Backfill reinstatement and compaction
- Unit 5 (O4): Reinstating sub-base and road base (non-bituminous)
- Unit 6 (O5): Cold-lay bituminous reinstatement
- Unit 7 (O6): Hot-lay bituminous reinstatement
- Unit 8 (O7): Concrete slab reinstatement
- Unit 9 (O8): Modular surfaces and concrete footways
Is There Any Entry Requirement for This Course?
The NRSWA operative training is available to anyone aged 18 or over, with no formal entry requirements. However, a basic understanding of spoken and written English is necessary to grasp the course material and complete the assessments.
Since the course involves significant practical work, it’s recommended that candidates have a reasonable level of fitness to manage materials and equipment safely.
How is the NRSWA Operative Course Delivered?
The Streetworks Operative Course is a 5-day program that combines classroom-based theory with hands-on practical training. We offer a schedule of public training dates throughout the year, giving both individuals and businesses the flexibility to join at their convenience.
Looking for NRSWA Operative Streetworks courses near you?
No worries! We provide flexible onsite training across the UK, including Leicester, Birmingham, and London, tailored to your team's needs at your convenient working location. This ensures minimal disruption to your workflow while gaining the certification you need.
How is the NRSWA Operatives Course Assessed?
The NRSWA Operative course is assessed with practical and theoretical evaluations:
- Practical Assessment — Candidates perform tasks such as locating underground apparatus, excavating, and reinstating materials in real-life scenarios.
- Theoretical Assessment — Multiple-choice tests for each unit, requiring an 80% pass mark.
Both assessments must be passed to earn certification for safe UK roadwork.
What Certification Will You Get?
Once you complete the 5-day NRSWA Operative course, you'll receive:
- SWQR Yellow Card (Street Works Ticket): A photo ID card confirming your official registration.
- Certificate of Competence: Awarded by trusted bodies like CABWI, SQA, Lantra, or City & Guilds for each unit you've passed.
Your training centre will handle your card and certificate application once you have successfully passed the assessments. Expect to receive them in 12-16 weeks.
In the meantime, we'll provide you with a qualification letter for proof. Your SWQR card is valid for 5 years, and if it hasn’t arrived after six weeks, simply reach out to your training centre for an update.
💡This course allows you to choose a combination of units. For example, you can complete Signing, lighting, and guarding (Unit 2) only or Excavation in the highway (Units 1, 2, and 3). Both the card and the certificate will list the units you have passed.
Did you know?
If you complete both the NRSWA Operative and Supervisor courses, you’ll receive a dual card. However, the card will have the expiry date of the first course you completed.
For example, if you finish the Operative course with a 5-year expiry and then take the Supervisor course a year later, your dual card will expire in 5 years, based on the Operative course.
Want a full 5-year card for the Supervisor qualification? Simply contact SWQR at 0345 213 5000 before you take the course and let them know.
Streetworks Operative Job Opportunities
Completing the NRSWA Operative Course opens up a range of job opportunities in construction, utilities, and roadworks. The streetworks ticket is highly valued across industries, ensuring you can work safely and efficiently on UK roads while handling tasks such as traffic management, excavation, and reinstatement.
The NRSWA Operative Training can lead to roles in:
- Construction Workers: Carrying out streetworks, road repairs, and maintenance.
- Traffic Management Operatives: Setting up road signs, diversions, and managing traffic flow.
- Utility Workers: Working with gas, water, or electricity services during streetworks.
- Site Supervisors: Overseeing streetworks projects, ensuring safety and quality control.
Why Book With Hurak?
Booking through our platform means you get reliable NRSWA Operative training with trusted benefits:
- ✓ 100,000+ learners trained nationwide
- ✓ Accredited courses delivered by qualified instructors
- ✓ Simple online booking with instant confirmation
- ✓ Cost-effective options for both individuals and groups
- ✓ Certificates recognised across all UK industries
Key Highlights
- Industry-Recognised Certification: Receive the NRSWA Operative Certification, a nationally recognized qualification that is essential for working on UK roads and street works.
- Comprehensive Training: Covers vital streetworks tasks, including traffic management, excavation, reinstatement, and safety protocols.
- Practical and Theoretical Learning: Combines both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge to ensure well-rounded training.
- Experienced Trainers: Learn from qualified instructors with extensive experience in street works and construction safety.
- Safety Compliance: Gain the knowledge needed to comply with the National Road Traffic Safety Act (NRSWA) and other roadworks safety regulations.
- Career Advancement: Boost your employability in sectors such as construction, utilities, and traffic management.
- Valid for Five Years: The certification remains valid for five years, after which a refresher course is required to maintain certification.
- On-Site Assessments: Practical assessments in real-world settings ensure you're ready to apply the skills immediately in the field.
- High Demand for Qualified Operatives: Qualified NRSWA operatives are in high demand across the UK, opening up a wide range of job opportunities in the construction and roadworks industries.
What Does the NRSWA Operative Course Involve?
Learn how to safely identify and avoid underground utilities. This includes training with CAT & Genny tools.
Understand how to set up effective traffic management systems to keep both workers and the public safe.
Gain knowledge on the correct excavation techniques to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Learn how to properly fill and compact excavation sites to restore road surfaces.
Master the process of reinstating road surfaces using non-bituminous materials.
Understand the methods for reinstating roads using cold-lay bituminous materials for quick repairs.
Learn how to repair modular surfaces and concrete footways to maintain road quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The NRSWA Operative Course is a certification program that provides training for individuals who want to work safely and legally on UK roads. The course covers streetworks tasks such as traffic management, excavation, reinstatement, and safety protocols in compliance with the National Road Traffic Safety Act (NRSWA).
The course is ideal for construction workers, traffic management operatives, utility workers, site supervisors, and anyone looking to work safely in streetworks. It is suitable for both beginners and those looking to refresh their qualifications.
The NRSWA Operative Course typically takes 5 days to complete, including both practical and theoretical components. Some training providers may offer flexible schedules depending on your needs.
To enroll in the course, you must be at least 18 years old. No prior streetworks experience is necessary, although a background in construction or related fields is beneficial. A basic understanding of English is also required for the theory exams.
The course covers essential skills such as traffic management, safe excavation practices, road reinstatement, and working with utilities. You will also learn about safety regulations, NRSWA standards, and emergency procedures.
The course is assessed through practical tasks and a theoretical exam. You must demonstrate your ability to safely perform streetworks tasks and pass a written exam covering key concepts such as safety procedures and regulations.
After completing the course, you'll be eligible to apply for the SWQR card. This card qualifies you to work safely on UK roads and is recognised across the construction and roadworks industries.
Yes, the theoretical part of the NRSWA Operative Course can be delivered online, allowing for flexible learning. However, the practical assessment must be completed in person, as it requires hands-on experience.
The cost of the NRSWA Operative Course varies depending on the training provider and location. Please contact us for proper pricing.
Upon completion of the course, you will be qualified to work in various roles such as construction workers, traffic management operatives, utility workers, and site supervisors. The certification opens up job opportunities in the construction, utilities, and roadworks sectors across the UK.