Block Paving Apprentice (Groundworks) TOLLY PAVING LTD

This apprenticeship role will include working as part of a team to carry out hard landscaping to large scale commercial sites and full groundworks to smaller scale domestic sites. Perfect for a person who enjoys working outdoors, the work will predominantly involve the installation of block/slab pavers to car parks and footpaths.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 30 Jul 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £17,680.00

  • Working week

    Monday to Friday 07:30 - 16:00. Breaks are 1.5 hours per day, taken as either 3 x 30mins or 2 x 45 mins.

    Total hours per week: 40

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    04 Sep 2023

  • Date posted

    09 May 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000161840

  • Positions

    5 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

The majority of the job will be installation of block or slab paving to a commercial site, tasks include;

  • Spread, level and compact laying coarse sand, and screed to correct level.
  • Lay blocks/slabs to agreed pattern. Once all the blocks/slabs are laid, check for alignment and adjust as necessary. Cut or trim blocks to ensure they fit inside the designated perimeter.
  • Spread kiln-dried sand over the block surface and sweep into the joints using a soft brush. Compact using a vibrating plate compactor (wacker plate). Sweep excess jointing sand off the surface.

In addition to the above, on smaller domestic jobs you will also complete the below works;

  • Marking out the area of the paving in accordance with site layout plan.
  • Dig off as required and assist with disposal of spoil. Install drainage and haunch with concrete.
  • Spread, level, and compact the layer of sub-base material. Install membrane if required.
  • Set up taut string lines to guide line and level of edge courses and kerbs, lay edge course bricks and kerbs onto a concrete bed.
  • Fix recess trays and gully covers, if necessary.

Other Duties;

  • Follow Tolly Paving health and safety policies & any additional policies as set out in the site induction.
  • Assistance with other hard landscaping installations. For example: steps, splash strips, ducting.
  • Refurbishment works to paving. For example: cleaning, removing oil stains, fixing low spots, re-jointing, and sealing.
  • Any other tasks appropriate for the role.

Complete on the job training will be provided, this will include learning how to screed, lay, and cut blocks. On smaller domestic jobs you will assist with the full groundworks.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

  • As part of this role you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute.
  • College attendance for this course will be 1 day per week at the Colchester Campus.
  • Apprentices must complete either a Groundworks Pre-Apprenticeship in August 2023 (including an Entry Level 3 Award in Construction Skills and CSCS green labourer card), or where a candidate cannot attend this they would commence the apprenticeship in September, but would be on a 6 week probation.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

We are proud to say that many of our team have chosen to stay with us for their careers to date, and we would be looking to keep the right apprentices on after their apprenticeships, but whether you choose to stay with us or not you will finish the apprenticeship with comprehensive training for a career in paving. With experience, you could become a site supervisor or project manager for us or elsewhere. Alternatively, self-employment is a popular progression.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Team working, Physical fitness, Enthusiasm, Good work ethic

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent maths and English (Grade 9-2/A*-E) Essential

Things to consider

The vacancy will be based outdoors and is physically demanding. Working hours are not inclusive of travel to site. Commute time will vary from job to job, we will always try and keep people as close to their home as possible. The maximum daily commute time will not exceed 1.5 hours each way. Occasionally you will be required to work away. In this case you would stay away for a maximum of 4 nights (Monday-Friday). Tolly paving will provide you with a hotel, breakfast, and dinner whilst working away. This will not be during term time.

About the employer

Founded by Terry Pointer in 1987 and now run by his son Mark Pointer, Tolly Paving is a family-owned and run business with over 30 years’ experience installing surfaces. From humble beginnings installing driveways and patios locally, Tolly Paving has grown into a company that specialises in large scale commercial block and slab paving. We now operate on sites of all sizes across the UK from our base in Colchester. Recent large-scale projects include D P World London Gateway and Horizon120 Business Park, Braintree. Smaller projects include domestic driveways, patios and roads across Essex and Suffolk. Quality is at the heart of what we do, as a result we have excellent working relationships with suppliers and are approved installers for many manufacturers. Benefits of working for Tolly Paving include: competitive hourly rate, performance bonus, 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays & Christmas break), pension scheme, long-term career prospects, ongoing training and development.

Employer

TOLLY PAVING LTD

Address

213 SHRUB END ROAD

COLCHESTER

CO3 4RN

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Training

Training provider

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Contact

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeship Team

ci.apprenticeship@colchester.ac.uk

01206 712043

Apprenticeship standard

Groundworker

Level 2 (GCSE)

Employer's Application Instructions

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 30 Jul 2023