Apprentice Groundworker (Ref OLI-0001-25)

Summary

Working closely with an experienced team, you will be introduced to the essential skills & tasks involved in groundwork operations, forming the foundation of all construction projects. This apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in a wide range of activities such as site preparation, drainage, concreting, kerbing & excavation.

Wage

£15,704 a year

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With progression there will be opportunity for the wage to increase depending on performance. Statutory increases will also occur once the first year is completed.

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday between 7.30am - 5pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 August 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

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

As a Groundwork Apprentice, you will be introduced to the essential skills and tasks involved in groundwork operations, forming the foundation of all construction projects. This apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in a wide range of activities including site preparation, drainage, concreting, kerbing, and excavation. Working closely with experienced groundworkers and supervisors, you will develop the practical and technical skills needed to build a successful career in civil engineering and construction.

Key Responsibilities:

Site Preparation: Assist in clearing and preparing construction sites for building work.
Drainage and Ducting: Learn to install underground drainage systems and service ducts.
Concrete and Substructures: Help in pouring and finishing concrete, laying foundations and footings.
Kerbing and Paving: Support with installation of kerbs, paving, and other external works.
Health & Safety Compliance: Follow all site safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Tool Handling: Gain experience in using hand tools and small plant machinery relevant to groundwork.
Team Support: Work as part of a team under the supervision of skilled tradespeople and site managers.
Quality Standards: Ensure all work is completed to the required quality and project specifications.

Where you'll work

104 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 1LQ

Training

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

College or training organisation

SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE

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

You will additionally receive formal off-the-job training by means of remote-led sessions and site visits by the tutor on a regular basis, travelling to the college once you reach your final stages of assessment.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 3/D)
Maths (grade 3/D)

Other in:

CSCS (grade Pass)

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
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

You will need to be willing to work outdoors in all weather and be physically fit. A can-do attitude is the most important requirement. Before starting on site, you will need to pass a CSCS test - assistance will be given with this process.

About this company

Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd (TrAC) is a DfE approved Flexi Job Apprenticeship Agency who will employ you for the duration of the apprenticeship and pay your salary. You should be aware that you will be placed with a host employer but you will not be employed by them. Your placement may change during the course of your apprenticeship but TrAC will employ you throughout, as well as continuing to support you into employment or further learning at the end of your apprenticeship.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

There is an opportunity to progress into full-time employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS IN CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

Sue Appleby

sue@tracweb.co.uk

01603737739

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000329089.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Wednesday 30 July 2025)

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

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