Surrey Highways and Nescot win prestigious Highways UK Award for Social Value

Surrey Highways, in partnership with North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot), is thrilled to announce its win at the Highways UK Awards 2025, securing the Social Value Award for its innovative 16–18 Pathway initiative, a transformative programme that is reshaping access to careers in the highways sector.

This award celebrates the power of local collaboration and forward-thinking in creating meaningful change. The winning programme, Construction Skills for Highway Maintenance, was co-designed with Nescot and launched in September 2024. It offers a hands-on, barrier-free vocational course for 16–18-year-olds, with no GCSE entry requirements and a guaranteed interview for apprenticeships or employment. It’s a bold new approach, breaking down barriers, opening doors, and setting a new benchmark for inclusive recruitment in the industry.

“This award is a testament to what can be achieved when local organisations come together with a shared purpose,” said Simon Butt, Regional Director at Ringway. “We’re proud to be investing in Surrey’s future, creating real opportunities for young people and building a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities.”

Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot added: "This award is testament to the hard work of our staff and students. Setting up any new provision requires innovation, passion and going the extra mile and the college provided this in spades. Our students were also pioneers in signing up to this new course and opening their horizons to the incredible range of careers within the Highways sector. My thanks also to colleagues at Ringway and Surrey County Council - this is partnership working at its best."

The initiative has already delivered impressive outcomes. All new apprentices recruited through the programme have been retained, achieving a 100% retention rate. Recruitment efforts have resulted in 39% of new operatives identifying as from ethnic minority backgrounds, reflecting a more inclusive workforce. The team has contributed 259 hours of school volunteering, helping to inspire and inform future generations. In addition, 34 days of work experience have been provided to students, offering valuable hands-on exposure to the sector. Four STEM events have been delivered to engage young people in science, technology, engineering, and maths through the lens of highways careers. Furthermore, 50% of Surrey Highways’ supply chain partners are now actively involved in recruiting apprentices, amplifying the programme’s reach and impact. By working closely with educational charity SATRO, Nescot, and industry partner Eurovia Surfacing, Surrey Highways has created a replicable model that can be adopted by colleges across the UK. The programme not only supports local employment but also strengthens community ties, enhances social mobility, and ensures the highways sector remains vibrant, skilled, and inclusive.

This win is more than an accolade, it’s a celebration of community-driven progress, where social value is not just a metric, but a mission.

The one-year Entry Level and  Level 1 Construction Skills for Highway Maintenance courses delivered at Nescot develop skills in construction, employability and digital with a focus on highway maintenance.