NRSWA Supervisor Course
The full NRSWA Supervisor qualification for those who plan, monitor and oversee street works on the public highway. Gain the units and SWQR registration required to supervise excavation, reinstatement and traffic management works legally and competently.
What is the NRSWA Supervisor Course?
The NRSWA Supervisor course is the industry-recognised qualification for anyone who oversees, plans or manages street works on the public highway. While the Operative qualification covers the physical tasks of excavation and reinstatement, the Supervisor qualification addresses the planning, monitoring and compliance responsibilities that sit above those activities.
Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, any organisation carrying out works on the highway must have a qualified supervisor in place. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that works are planned correctly, carried out to specification, and that all signing, lighting and guarding arrangements comply with current standards.
On successful completion of this course, your supervisor units are registered on the Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR) and you will receive a Supervisor Streetworks card valid for five years. This qualification is nationally recognised across England and Wales.
Related Courses
Not Sure Which Course?
The right course depends on your job role. If you oversee works rather than carry them out, the Supervisor course is likely what you need. Contact us and we will confirm.
Get in TouchWho Should Attend?
This course is designed for individuals whose role involves planning, overseeing or managing street works activities. If you are responsible for ensuring that works are carried out to specification and in compliance with legislation, this is the qualification you need.
It is suitable for both those stepping into a supervisory role for the first time and experienced supervisors who need to formalise their qualification.
This course is for:
- Site supervisors overseeing excavation, reinstatement or traffic management works
- Team leaders and forepersons managing operative crews on the highway
- Managers responsible for compliance with street works legislation
- Experienced operatives progressing into supervisory or management duties
- Anyone whose role involves monitoring and signing off street works activities
Units Included
The NRSWA Supervisor qualification consists of the following six units. All are covered during this five-day programme.
Location & Avoidance of Underground Apparatus
Understanding the procedures for identifying underground services and ensuring your team avoids damage during excavation works.
Planning, Preparing & Maintaining the Work Site
How to plan and prepare a compliant work site, manage resources, and maintain safe conditions throughout the duration of works.
Self-assessment of Resources, Processes & Performance
Evaluating your own supervisory effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring resource allocation meets project requirements.
Monitoring & Control of Work Activities
Overseeing operative work to ensure compliance with the specification, identifying non-conformances and taking corrective action.
Signing, Lighting & Guarding (Supervisor Focus)
Supervising the setup and maintenance of temporary traffic management, ensuring arrangements remain compliant and effective.
Traffic Management Planning & Implementation
Planning traffic management layouts, selecting the correct approach for the work site, and coordinating with relevant authorities.
How the Course is Delivered
The NRSWA Supervisor course is delivered over five days, combining structured classroom instruction with supervisor-focused scenario work and guided discussion. The emphasis is on developing the planning, monitoring and decision-making skills that supervisors need in practice.
Our instructors use real-world examples drawn from their own street works experience to illustrate key concepts. You will work through realistic supervisor scenarios — from site setup and traffic management planning through to monitoring operative work and managing non-conformances.
All assessment components are built into the programme, so there is no need to attend separately for examination. By the end of the five days, you will have completed all required assessments and be ready for SWQR registration as a Supervisor.
Classroom Instruction
Structured teaching covering legislation, specification requirements and the supervisor's responsibilities at each stage.
Supervisor Scenarios
Realistic scenario-based exercises that develop your ability to plan, monitor and manage street works activities.
Guided Discussion
Instructor-led walkthroughs of compliance challenges, decision-making processes and quality control procedures.
SWQR Registration
On successful completion, your supervisor units are submitted for registration on the Street Works Qualification Register.
Assessment & Certification
Each supervisor unit includes its own assessment. These are a combination of knowledge-based checks — including multiple-choice elements — and scenario-based discussions where you demonstrate your understanding of supervisory responsibilities and decision-making.
Assessments are integrated into the five-day programme, so you complete them as you work through the units. There is no separate assessment day.
On Successful Completion
- All supervisor units registered on the Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR)
- Supervisor Streetworks card issued — valid for five years
- Nationally recognised qualification accepted by all highway authorities
- Full compliance with NRSWA requirements for supervisory roles
What You Will Learn
This course equips you with the knowledge and assessed competence to supervise street works effectively. Beyond the formal units, you will develop a practical understanding of the planning, monitoring and leadership skills that define a competent supervisor.
Why Train with Apollo Quality & Assessment?
We deliver NRSWA Supervisor training from our centre in Ripley, Derbyshire, supporting contractors and organisations across Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and the wider Midlands. Our instructors bring genuine supervisory experience to every session, so the training is grounded in the realities of managing works on the highway.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
The Operative course covers the physical tasks involved in street works — excavation, reinstatement, backfilling and laying materials. The Supervisor course focuses on planning, monitoring, quality control and ensuring compliance. If your role involves overseeing operatives and signing off work rather than physically carrying it out, you need the Supervisor qualification.
The full Supervisor course runs over five days. This includes classroom instruction, supervisor-focused scenario work and all assessment elements. You will complete the qualification within this period.
Yes. Once registered on the SWQR as a Supervisor, your qualification is valid for five years. You will need to complete a reassessment before your card expires to maintain your registration.
Not necessarily. The Supervisor course is a standalone qualification in its own right. However, some employers prefer supervisors to hold both Operative and Supervisor units. We can advise on the best route based on your role and employer requirements.
Any person who supervises, monitors or manages street works activities on the public highway must hold the Supervisor qualification. This includes site supervisors, forepersons, team leaders, project managers and compliance officers who oversee highway works.
Each supervisor unit includes its own assessment, consisting of knowledge-based checks and scenario-based discussions. These evaluate your understanding of supervisory responsibilities, compliance requirements and decision-making. All assessments are completed during the five-day programme.
Yes. If you already hold the Operative qualification, you can attend the Supervisor course to gain the additional units. The LA unit is common to both, so you may already hold this. Contact us and we can review your existing units to confirm what you need.
You should bring standard construction PPE including safety boots and a high-visibility vest or jacket. The Supervisor course is primarily classroom-based, so specialist tools are not required. We will confirm any additional requirements when you book.
Yes. We regularly deliver Supervisor training for groups and organisations. Contact us to discuss group rates, availability and any specific requirements for your team.
Training is delivered at our centre in Ripley, Derbyshire. We also offer on-site delivery for organisations that need it — get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Book Your NRSWA Supervisor Course
Get qualified as a Streetworks Supervisor with a nationally recognised NRSWA qualification. Delivered from our training centre in Ripley, Derbyshire.
For dates, pricing or advice on whether you need the Supervisor or Operative course, get in touch.