New course offers key to tackling crumbling roads

16/07/2014 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

A new university qualification has been launched to help equip highway engineers with the skills they need to fix the UK’s crumbling roads.

With demands for better road surfaces and pavements to provide better journey times with minimum disruption to motorists, local authority highways departments are under pressure to deliver for the taxpayer.

Authorities are faced with reduced funding, extreme weather changes, an ageing infrastructure and increasing regulations and bureaucracy – but academics and industry partners behind the University Diploma in Road Surface Technology at University of Derby Corporate say the course will give people the tools to deliver on these issues by developing their technical skills.

Subjects covered include paving materials, environmental management, health and safety awareness, treating surfaces, maintaining pavements and contracts management.

Dr Tony Stock, programme leader for the new course, said: “This is the first higher education qualification for the road surface treatments industry and is a real step-forward for those who wish to set themselves apart from the rest of the industry.

“It is all delivered online which ensures it fits around the busy schedules of professionals in the field and support is available from tutors online and by telephone.”

The nine-month course which starts in October has been developed jointly by leading industry bodies, the Road Surface Treatment Association (RSTA) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT), along with University of Derby Corporate.

Howard Robinson, chief executive of the RSTA, said: “This course is aimed at developing the next generation of industry leaders in the road surface treatments sector.

“It will appeal to individuals who currently work within the sector and also those who need to further their knowledge on the range of economic options now available for road surface maintenance.”

For more information on the course, visit www.derby.ac.uk/rsta

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Structures Delivery Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Structures Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of structural asset investment Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highway Operations

Grade 15 £61,048 - £66,960 per annum (Pay award pending)
Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Sustainable Travel Team Leader

Grade 12 £43,055 - £46,439 per annum (Pay award Pending)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and shaping a sustainable future? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Active Travel Officer

Grade 10 £17,162 - £18,764 per annum (Pay award pending)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on how people travel? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW