Apprentice Groundworker

Summary

Looking to start a rewarding career in construction? Join us as an Apprentice Groundworker and gain practical experience while learning from industry experts. You'll work on real projects, building essential skills while preparing construction sites safely and efficiently. We offer a safe, supportive environment where your growth comes first.

Wage

£17,680 a year

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Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday 07:30am or 08:30 start. 8 hour shifts. With a morning break and lunch break each day dictated by site.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

10

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Day to day role responsibilities:

Comply with company policies, site rules, Method Statements, Risk Assessments, COSHH assessment and other relevant health and safety assessments provided.
Attend external training in line with current trade/industry criteria.
The apprentice will be expected to assist with; installation foul and storm water drains, domestic drainage, non specialist concrete and preformed pavement slabs, edgings and kerb installation. As well as manual handling techniques, confined space, general site work and service ductwork.
Road and footpath construction, external works, footing construction and other civil engineering activities as directed by their mentor, supervisor and/or site manager.
Complete all necessary paper based work, candidate portfolio, to provide evidence of skills/knowledge on completion of their apprenticeship and throughout the duration of their apprenticeship.

Where you'll work

Springfield Lodge
Colchester Road Springfield
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 5PW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Your training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Work safely and securely in compliance with given information, organisational policies and procedures, and current health, safety and welfare legislation including following the procedures for working in contaminated ground
Conform with productive working practices and completing the work in accordance with the programme of work
Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from supervisors and site managers
Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications
Select the required resources including tools and fixtures
Move, handle and store resources complying with relevant legislation & guidance
Use and maintain power tools and equipment (including;. compactor plates, boning rods, portable power tools, levels, straight edges, lines, pins and laser equipment)
Gauge and mix mortars and concrete by hand and by mixer
Select and use basic setting out equipment including tape measures, levels, straight edges, lines and pins, boning rods and laser equipment under guidance of the supervisor
Install, maintain and remove temporary protection and safety arrangements for the work area relating to barriers and temporary structures, including protection, safety notices and safety lighting
Install and test basic drainage and ducting
Measure, mark, cut and install geo-membranes to stabilise soil for re-instatement and excavations
Transport and place, then compact and finish concrete to slabs/bases, footing oversights, paths, form slab edgings including positioning reinforcement and kerbs
Set out and lay flags, paviours and edging to paths, driveways and other areas
Install ironworks relating to access covers and frames, and gully grates and frames including preparatory brickwork
Locate and excavate to expose buried utility services using electronic location instruments
Provide and remove temporary works including shallow excavation support (up to 1.2 metres)
Form and reinstate excavations and surfaces to sub-grades, sub-bases and road bases
Prepare to, then direct and guide the movement of vehicles, plant or machinery

Your training plan

As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute. This will include Functional Skills in English and maths if required.
College attendance for this course will be 1 day per week at the Colchester Campus.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

maths and English (grade A*-E/9-2)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Team working
Initiative
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Successful apprentices will be expected to make their own way to and from site and college. Reasonable assistance will be provided. Apprentices will be site based at one of our sites located throughout Essex.

About this company

MACL is an infrastructure, civil engineering and groundworks company based in Chelmsford, Essex. With more than 35 years of successful trading, the company has grown year-on-year and employs more than 400 skilled professionals with a turnover in excess of £55m. Operating across 17 locations, MACL is known for its expertise and prides itself on its ability to handle complex projects, meeting strict deadlines, and exceeding client expectations. With a strong focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability, MACL has built a reputation for excellence in the industry. The company’s commitment to using the latest technology and innovative techniques ensures that it remains at the forefront of the groundworks sector in its geographical area of operation. Through a great emphasis on business culture, MACL stands out among its peer group as an inclusive, measured, and trusted partner for employees, clients, and its supply chain partners. The company considers the requirements of every employee at every level offering fairness, flexibility, support, and benefits as its key offerings. The company takes pride in its commitment to not taking unnecessary risks which ensures that every job that it undertakes is carefully considered and aligned with the values and goals of the business. As MACL continues to grow and expand its operations, it remains dedicated to providing exceptional service to its clients. With a team of highly skilled professionals, solid financial foundations and its employee-owned status, the company is perfectly positioned for continued success.

https://www.maclltd.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Pension scheme. Employee Assistance Program. Travel Expenses to and from site and college.

After this apprenticeship

Possibility of full time employment with MACL with possible career progression available to Site supervisor and Site manager.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeships Team

ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk

01206712043

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000319008.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 20 June 2025

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

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