| ID | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1.1 | Do you have an up-to-date training and development plan for those responsible for highways asset management in your authority? | Yes |
| 8.1.2 | Do you or your main highways contractors support professional development through a recognised professional training scheme (e.g. Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or Institution of Highway Engineers (IHE))? | Yes |
| 8.1.3 | Does your authority contribute towards the cost of professional membership or professional development required for relevant highways roles? | No |
| 8.1.4 | Do you employ a professionally qualified engineer (e.g. Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent competence) with responsibility for the management of highway structures (either in house or through a contracted arrangement)? | No |
| 8.1.5 | Does your authority define competence requirements for key highways asset management roles and take steps to address any identified gaps (either directly or through contractual arrangements)? | Yes |
| 8.1.6 | Do you or your main contractors support early career development in your local area, for example through apprentice schemes, traineeships or pre-apprenticeship programmes, sponsored qualifications (e.g. HNC/HND, degree, MSc), graduate schemes etc | Yes |
Evidence Summary
| The Council maintains an up-to-date training and development plan for staff involved in highways asset management and defines competency requirements for key roles. A competency framework is currently being developed to further support skills development and identify training needs. Professional development is supported through apprenticeships and graduate positions, together with attendance at industry webinars, conferences and best practice events. Our contractors also provide specialist training, technical workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions on new materials, technologies and maintenance techniques. While the Council does not contribute towards professional membership costs, staff are encouraged and supported to undertake relevant training and continuous professional development. |
Further context on skills/training
|
Wirral Council currently runs several Career Progression Pathway (CPP) apprenticeships, combining academic qualifications with on-the-job learning. Progression of colleagues in CPP roles is based on the demonstration of key knowledge, skills and experience as defined in the development framework. Early career support covers a range of Highway Maintenance related roles including Highway Inspectors, Technicians, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors. Wirral Council have Professional Services Contracts with large multi-disciplinary civil engineering consultancies, including a contract specifically scoped to support the management of Highway Structures. |