Department for Transport (DfT): Street works qualifications review

The DfT commissioned Pye Tait Consulting to undertake a review of the street works training and qualifications regime. This regime comprises the system for awarding qualifications to street works operatives and supervisors, to be able to qualify and register for a street works card for use onsite.

The aim of the research was to undertake a comprehensive review of the current street works qualifications regime in England, Scotland and Wales, with a view to future reform in England. Specific objectives were to:

• understand the merits of the current qualifications system,

• determine which aspects of the qualification system are working less well,

• identify potential options for reform, and

• make evidence-based recommendations to meet the strategic objectives for street works qualifications.

  
  

Our methodology comprised:

• scoping desk research and literature review, plus scoping interviews,

• an online survey with 140 learners and 110 depth interviews with employers, awarding bodies, providers, assessment centres and authorities, and

• analysis, development and recommendations: we developed a set of assessment criteria based on fulfilling the purpose of a training and qualifications regime and created evidence-based options for the future regime. Liaising with the project steering group on the options’ intent and content, we developed an action plan for the preferred option.

Our report, recommendations, and action plan are being used by the DfT to inform future policy development.