UK highways authorities and contractors can now access a comprehensive online course on preventative maintenance. The course aims to restore skills lost through years of reactive repairs and budget pressures. It offers practical guidance on targeting maintenance investment to extend asset life and reduce whole-life costs.
A skills gap closes with targeted learning
The highways sector recognises the value of preventative maintenance, but operational demands often force reactive repairs to take priority. This limits the use of treatments that extend the lifespan of carriageways, structures, drainage and other assets. At the same time, regulations such as the Department for Transport’s Incentive Fund require continuing professional development in preventative maintenance by 30 November 2026.
To address this, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has developed Preventative Highways Maintenance Fundamentals. The course is designed for local authorities, consultants and contractors across England and Wales.
How the course guides maintenance decisions
Written by highway asset management expert Matthew Lugg OBE, the programme explains financial, legal and policy contexts shaping maintenance choices. It introduces Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Systems (HIAMS), lifecycle planning and prioritisation techniques. Learners understand risk-based decisions and how to select treatments that deliver the greatest long-term value.
Reviewers from industry and local authorities contributed to the content. The course is endorsed by the UK Roads Leadership Group (UKRLG) Roads Board and supported by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT). ADEPT members get a 30% discount.
Flexible access minimises operational disruption
Hosted on CIHT Learn, CIHT’s award-winning eLearning platform, the course launched in early September 2023. Early demand is strong, with many organisations seeking to improve preventative maintenance skills.
The online format allows individuals to work at their own pace, avoiding time away from site or office. Organisations benefit from no need to release staff for travel or scheduled classroom dates, cutting costs and disruption.
Building expertise for a proactive future
Effective preventative maintenance requires more than knowing treatments. It depends on strategic frameworks supported by accurate asset data, clear objectives, lifecycle plans and prioritisation processes. This course focuses on developing and implementing a Preventative Highway Maintenance Strategy, merging condition data and performance measures to support sustainable management.
It covers a range of assets including carriageways, footways, drainage, street lighting, traffic signals and electronic equipment. The programme also considers funding, programming, delivery models, carbon reduction and stakeholder engagement. These topics reflect the broad skills needed to manage highway networks today.
Why the sector must invest in skills now
Preventative maintenance improves asset resilience, reduces disruption and supports sustainability goals. As UK authorities develop long-term asset management maturity, their workforce needs balanced knowledge of all infrastructural elements.
The course responds to calls from UKRLG and local authority leaders to build workforce competence. Success depends on combining funding with strong asset management and informed decisions.
Those responsible for highway networks can find more information and register at www.cihtlearn.org.uk.
