» NRSWA Operative Training Course

What is NRSWA Operative Training?

The New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) sets the legal framework for anyone carrying out excavation, reinstatement or signing, lighting and guarding on the highway.

Our NRSWA Operative Course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to:

Work safely on carriageways, footways and verges
Set up roadworks using correct signs, cones, barriers and traffic control
Excavate and reinstate openings in the highway to the required standards
Protect the public, yourself and your colleagues while on site

On successful completion, you’ll receive the recognised street works qualification that allows you to apply for or renew your SWQR (Street Works) card.

Upcoming Courses

NRSWA Operative units LA, O1 to O5 and O8

15 June 2026

8:30 AM

Accrington

£525.00 +VAT

Register

NRSWA Operative units LA, O1 to O5 and O8

22 June 2026

8:30 AM

Accrington

£525.00 +VAT

Register

NRSWA Operative units LA, O1 to O5 and O8

29 June 2026

8:30 AM

Accrington

£525.00 +VAT

Register

NRSWA Operative units LA, O1 to O5 and O8

6 July 2026

8:30 AM

Accrington

£525.00 +VAT

Register

NRSWA Operative units LA, O1 to O5 and O8

13 July 2026

8:30 AM

Accrington

£525.00 +VAT

Register

Frequently Asked Questions About

An NRSWA Operative is someone who physically carries out street works on the highway – such as excavating, reinstating the road or footpath, and setting out signing, lighting and guarding. They work under the direction of an NRSWA Supervisor, but must be individually qualified for the tasks they perform.

In most cases, yes. If you are carrying out work on the highway covered by the New Roads and Street Works Act, you must hold the relevant NRSWA qualification and be registered on the Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR). This is shown on your Street Works card, which employers, clients and inspectors may ask to see.

A Street Works card is normally valid for 5 years. After that, you must complete reassessment to renew it. If your card is due to expire, we can advise on the best reassessment option for you.

* An Operative physically carries out the work: digging, reinstating, setting out signs and barriers, etc.
* A Supervisor oversees and monitors the work but does not necessarily carry it out themselves.
The units, training content and responsibilities are different. This page is specifically about the Operative course.

Yes. The initial NRSWA Operative course is suitable for those new to street works, as long as you are physically able to carry out the practical tasks and can understand the theory. Our trainers will explain everything step-by-step and are used to working with mixed-experience groups.

We’ll send you full joining instructions before the course, but typically you’ll need:
* PPE: safety boots, high-visibility vest/jacket, hard hat and gloves
* Pen and notebook for classroom sessions
* Suitable outdoor clothing for practical work (we train in most weather conditions!)
Any specialist equipment required for the course and assessments will be provided at the training centre.

Yes. If your existing NRSWA card is close to expiry, you can attend NRSWA reassessment. This focuses mainly on updating knowledge and completing the required assessments rather than full initial training. When you contact us, let us know your current units and expiry date, and we’ll recommend the right option.

If you don’t meet the required standard in a particular unit:
* The trainer/assessor will explain which areas need improvement
* We’ll discuss the options for re-assessment of that unit
* In many cases, you can retake individual units rather than repeating the entire course
We aim to support you to achieve the qualification wherever possible.

For suitable groups and facilities, on-site or closed-course training may be possible. This can be a cost-effective option if you have several operatives to train at once. Contact us with your numbers, location and site details and we’ll see what we can offer.

Booking is simple:
1. Use the links on this site or get in touch with our training team by phone or email
2. We’ll confirm dates, prices and available units
3. Complete a booking form or purchase order
4. Receive joining instructions with everything you need to know before attending

By the end of the course, you should be able to:
* Understand NRSWA and legal responsibilities
* Roles of the client, contractor and operatives
* Health & safety legislation and safe systems of work
* Set up a safe work site
* Signing, lighting and guarding
* Pedestrian and traffic management
* Working in different environments (urban, rural, high-speed roads – where applicable)
* Carry out excavation safely
* Locating underground services
* Safe digging techniques
* Protecting existing apparatus
* Reinstate the highway correctly
* Backfilling and compaction
* Sub-base, base, binder and surface courses
* Reinstatement of footways, verges and carriageways
* Work as part of a team
* Communication on site
* Coordinating with supervisors and other trades

This course is ideal for:
* Utility operatives (gas, water, electric, telecoms)
* Groundworkers and civils operatives
* Highway maintenance operatives
* Contractors and subcontractors working in the highway
* Anyone who needs an NRSWA Operative qualification for work
It’s suitable both for individuals and for companies looking to upskill their workforce.

A standard initial NRSWA Operative course usually runs over several days and may cover a combination of the core operative units, such as:
* Location and avoidance of underground apparatus
* Signing, lighting and guarding
* Excavation in the highway
* Reinstatement of non-bituminous and bituminous materials
* Reinstatement of concrete slabs and modular surfaces
Your exact programme will depend on whether you’re completing:
* Full initial NRSWA Operative training, or
* Reassessment / renewal for existing card holders
When you enquire or book, we’ll confirm:
* The units included
* The duration
* Start/finish times for each day

Assessment & Certification
Assessment typically includes:
* Practical assessments – demonstrating skills such as setting out signs and barriers, safe excavation and reinstatement
* Knowledge questions – written or verbal, depending on the unit and awarding body
On successful completion, you will:
* Achieve the relevant NRSWA Operative units
* Receive a certificate from an approved awarding body
* Be able to apply for or renew your SWQR Street Works card (valid for 5 years)
We’ll explain the card application or renewal process and support you with any paperwork required.

To join the NRSWA Operative course at our training centre, you should:
* Be at least 16 years old
* Have a good understanding of spoken and written English
* Be physically able to carry out practical tasks (excavation, lifting, etc.)
* Bring suitable PPE (we’ll let you know exactly what’s required – typically safety boots, hi-vis, gloves and hard hat & eye protection.)
Previous experience in utilities, civils or construction is helpful but not essential for the initial course.

Approved & Accredited Training Provider

Utilities Training Limited (www.utilities.training) is a leading UK vocational training provider based in the North West, delivering high-quality, industry-recognised courses across a wide range of sectors. Specialising in street works, confined spaces, IPAF, NPORS, EUSR, and Smart Awards, the company is committed to equipping individuals and businesses with the skills needed to work safely and compliantly. With experienced instructors, modern facilities, and a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning, Utilities Training Limited has built a reputation for excellence, reliability, and supporting workforce development across the utilities and construction industries.