Trusted | Streetworks NRSWA – Operatives

Streetworks NRSWA – Operatives

The Streetworks NRSWA Operatives course provides the knowledge, skills, and qualifications required to carry out street works safely and legally on public highways. Delivered in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA act), the course combines classroom learning with practical assessments covering excavation, reinstatement, signing, lighting, and guarding activities.

Suitable for those working within utilities, highways, telecommunications, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects, this qualification is essential for operatives undertaking street works. Successful completion demonstrates competence across key operative duties and enables registration on the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR), allowing candidates to work on the public highway legally.

Course Duration

5 Days

Price

£745 + VAT pp

Venue

Assessments will take place at our head office in West Bromwich, where we have a fully accredited practical assessment training area, which will be used throughout the assessment under the supervision of a trained and qualified Street Works assessor.

The road closure element required within the Signing, lighting and guarding unit will take place on the road adjacent to our facility.

We can also offer NRSWA assessments at a partner venue site in Gloucestershire if required. Please see date options for either venue further down this page.

Course Overview

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (the NRSWA) sets out the procedures and guidelines for NRSWA operatives and personnel employed by local authorities, utility companies, and their contractors for the purpose of carrying out any road works in the highway or on footpaths.

The Act and associated Codes of Practice cover key issues such as notification requirements, safety for highway users, and standards for the reinstatement of all highway excavations, as well as standards for signing, lighting, and guarding, etc.

NRSWA training has been required for street works operatives since 1993, and it applies to work linked to utility and road maintenance, including tasks related to this work. Every street works site must have one qualified operative present.

Training courses for NRSWA will cover one or more units, depending on requirements.

The NRSWA Street Works Open Courses for Operatives includes the following units:

Units LA 01 – 05 + 08

Who is the course for?

The NRSWA Operative course is intended for individuals who perform operative duties, practical street works activities on public roads, highways, footpaths, and associated infrastructure projects throughout the UK. It is suitable for operatives working in the utilities, telecommunications, highways maintenance, civil engineering, drainage, and construction sectors, where excavation and reinstatement activities are part of their role.

Candidates attending this course may be responsible for setting up and maintaining safe work areas, carrying out excavations, locating underground services, reinstating surfaces, and ensuring that works are completed in accordance with industry legislation and best-practice standards. The qualification is particularly valuable for those working on behalf of utility providers, local authorities, principal contractors, and specialist subcontractors.

No matter whether you’re new to street works or require the qualification as part of your employment responsibilities, this course provides the recognised certification required to work safely and compliantly on the public highway.

Key operative skills and competencies covered

Throughout the course, candidates will develop the practical skills and knowledge required to carry out street works safely, efficiently, and in accordance with current legislation. Training focuses on protecting the workforce, the public, and underground infrastructure whilst ensuring that all works meet industry standards and best-practice requirements.

Key areas covered include monitoring signing, lighting, and guarding systems to protect work areas; locating and avoiding underground services before excavation begins; carrying out safe excavation techniques; and reinstating highways and footways to the required standards. Operatives will also learn how to select and use appropriate backfill and reinstatement materials, correctly compact surfaces, and minimise disruption to road users.

The course reinforces the importance of risk awareness, safe working practices, environmental considerations, and quality work, helping operatives contribute to safe, efficient, and compliant street works projects from start to finish.

NRSWA Course Units

LA

Location & Avoidance of Underground Apparatus

01

Signing Lighting & Guarding

02

Excavation on the Highway

03

Reinstatement and Compaction of Backfill Materials

04

Reinstatement of Sub–Base and Road Base in Non-Bituminous Materials

05

Reinstatement of Cold Lay Bituminous Materials

08

Reinstatement of Modular Surfaces and Concrete Footways

Additional units are available, for example, ‘Hot Lay’

(06 – Reinstatement of Hot Lay Bituminous Materials)

*Please speak to our training team if you wish to secure this unit during your operatives course

£250 + VAT

Course Completion

After completing and passing practical and theoretical assessments, candidates are automatically logged via the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR). Registration is required to perform street works legally.

Candidates will then be issued with the Smart Awards certificate and SQA Street Works–approved licence as proof of competence for operatives. The qualification and SWQR ID card are valid for 5 years before an NRSWA reassessment or renewal is required.

Why Choose Trusted Construction Training?

Trusted Construction Training delivers practical, industry-focused construction training for highways, utilities and construction teams across the UK. Based in the West Midlands, Trusted works with experienced instructors and assessors who understand the standards required on live sites, helping delegates build the competence and confidence needed to supervise street works safely.

Our NRSWA operatives course is delivered in a fully accredited practical assessment area, giving candidates a realistic environment to complete their training and assessments. With clear guidance, relevant course delivery and support from a specialist construction training provider, Trusted helps employers and delegates choose the right route for their role and responsibilities.

CONTACT US