Highways and Streetworks Training Courses

The SWQR is a register that holds details of individuals qualified to carry out street works in the UK under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. It’s important because it ensures that operatives and supervisors working on or near roads have the necessary training and qualifications to perform their duties safely and to national standards, minimizing disruption and maintaining public safety.

To become qualified, you need to finish the relevant training courses offered by an accredited provider and successfully pass the assessments. This includes courses on excavation, backfill, and reinstatement for operatives, and additional training on overseeing these activities for supervisors. Those who successfully complete the courses and assessments will be awarded a SWQR card, certifying their qualifications.

Operative qualifications focus on the practical aspects of street works, including safe excavation, backfilling, and reinstatement of pavements and roads. Supervisor qualifications, on the other hand, concentrate on managing these tasks, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and overseeing the work to ensure it meets legal and professional standards.

Yes, street works qualifications can expire. The validity period typically lasts for five years, after which you must take a reassessment to renew your qualifications and keep your SWQR card valid. The reassessment ensures that all personnel are up-to-date with the latest practices, regulations, and safety procedures.

There are different SWQR cards, each signifying the holder’s area of qualification. Yellow cards are for operatives, blue cards for supervisors, and white cards for those with dual qualifications. The type of card signifies the roles and tasks the holder is qualified to perform on public highways and street works, ensuring they have the specific training and knowledge required for their duties.