An Introduction to NRSWA Training

The NRSWA training course or New Roads and Street Works course is aimed at workers in the field of maintenance or construction of roads and highways in the UK. The course covers both those that directly complete the works, known as operatives and those that oversee the quality and safety of these works, known as the supervisor. There are different courses for operatives and supervisors, although they do cover the same themes, they are tailored to each of the specific roles. Therefore the operatives’ course focuses on how to do the tasks safely and competently, while the supervisors’ courses focus on how to manage the whole job well. 

Why should I do the NRSWA course?

There are many reasons in favour of completing the NRSWA training.The first is that the danger associated with the areas of construction, maintenance and roads; mean that this can be considerable risk to individuals and the public when completing such a job. Therefore completing a course that makes individuals aware of the risks and how to minimise them is of great advantage. Secondly, as work on roads and streets often can effect not only the workers themselves, but also the public, it is essential that operatives and supervisors account for this in the way that they work. Getting the NRSWA training will help them to do this, making it a safer experience for everyone involved.

How is the NRSWA course done?

The NRSWA training scheme can seem a little complicated at first with its units and qualifications set up, but it really is very easy, once you get the hang of it. Firstly, most delegates complete one of two set courses. For operatives this is course units 1-6 +9 and for supervisors it is units 1.10-14 +16. These courses cover signing, lighting and guarding, excavation in the road and highway, reinstatement and compaction of backfill materials, reinstatement of sub-base and road base materials, reinstatement of modular surface and concrete footways. There are some rarer units that are not included in these courses such as unit 7 and 8 for operatives and units 15 for supervisors. These cover the reinstatement of hot lay bituminous materials and concrete slabs and can be done on request at a few training facilities in the UK. If you need these modules, try contacting an online service provider, who will be able to locate the closest venue to you. Also, recent changes mean that it is now necessary for operatives and supervisors in England to take a NRSWA training re-qualification course. This means that once you have completed your original qualification, you will need to do a revision and exam conditions session, within the allotted validity period, instead of just renewing your card. 

Where can I do the course?

NRSWA training courses need to be completed at a trainers’ venue. Many training providers through the UK offer the basic courses. Fewer offer the rarer, hot lay and concrete slab courses, but they are still available. Contact an online service provider to locate one close to you. 

So if you work in new road construction or road maintenance, get your NRSWA training course booked today!