Specialist concrete qualification launched

Designed to close the predicted skill gap in repairing concrete roads the new qualification has been launched by National Highways and the University of Derby, UK.

The Concrete Pavement and Construction Maintenance BSc is intended to assist in delivering repairs and renewals of concrete roads. National Highways is spending £400m in the next three years to improve the quality of existing concrete roads across the country. However, 60% of the current specialist concrete workforce is set to retire within 10 years, leaving a skills gap that presents a risk to the successful delivery of these projects.

To fill this gap, the National Highways Concrete Roads Centre of Excellence has worked in partnership with the University of Derby to launch a BSc Honours in Concrete Pavements and Construction Maintenance. The two-year part time course specifically focuses on pavements and highways, it offers a pathway for those already studying related subjects to specialise or convert.

The course begins in January 2022, is the first industry led course of its kind specialising in pavements and highways design and will be open for enrolment from this December. It’s aimed at a range of learners including those with foundation degrees, Level 5 apprenticeships and pavement engineering consultants and suppliers who want to extend their knowledge and understanding.