Construction Operative Apprentice

Summary

We have an opportunity to gain your first qualification in construction and get involved in a variety of tasks and responsibilities that will help you understand the world of construction. We are seeking motivated individuals who are eager to learn, work with their hands and contribute to building remarkable structures that leave a lasting impact.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

You will work Monday - Friday with the possibility of evening and weekend work being required. Shifts to be confirmed.

39 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 3 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

12

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

You can expect to work with everyone on a construction site while you help prepare the site ready for the structural building works to take place
You will work throughout the construction phase, working with all on-site trades, such as bricklayers and plant operatives, up to and including the final completion activities of the project
Your work may include setting out and preparing the sub - surfaces ready for the structural work to begin, installing drainage systems, concreting, constructing roads and pathways and carrying out the finished hard landscaping
We offer a variety of work on projects across our rail, tunnelling, plant operations, engineering, utilities, and buildings sectors

Where you'll work

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

Barrow, Cumbria - Attached to our Warrington Office, WA3 3NY
Various projects in the London Area near to NW5 1TN, NW5 1TN

Training

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

College or training organisation

CITB

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

Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
You will attend the National Construction College on block release then returned to the workplace after each block to put what you have learnt into practice

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 3-9)
Maths (grade 3-9)

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
Team working
Physical fitness

About this company

Murphy is a leading international, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company founded in 1951 that improves life by delivering world-class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, power and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Murphy Plant; Murphy Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services; and Electrical Services. Murphy employs more than 4,000 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, we work as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success. There’s more to Murphy.

http://www.murphygroup.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Dedicated and continued investment in your professional development. Access to Murphy Wellbeing. Cycle to work scheme.  22 days holiday, plus bank holidays. Plus many more benefits.

After this apprenticeship

The Groundowrker qualification will open up opportunities to explore construction further including engineering roles

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