Construction Operative Apprentice

J. MURPHY & SONS LIMITED

Barrow, Cumbria - Attached to our Warrington Office, Cannock, Various projects in the London Area near to NW5 1TN, Various Projects in the Yorkshire and North East Region, York

Closes on Wednesday 1 July 2026

Posted on 5 November 2025

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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

Tuesday 8 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

26

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

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Barrow, Cumbria - Attached to our Warrington Office, WA3 3NY
  • Hawks Green Lane, Cannock, WS11 7LH
  • Various projects in the London Area near to NW5 1TN, NW5 1TN
  • Various Projects in the Yorkshire and North East Region, LS9 0NY
  • J Murphy and Sons, TRU East Alliance, Sherburn in Elmet, York, LS25 6DY

Training

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

Training provider

CITB

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

Training schedule

  • 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)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

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

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CITB

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000349727.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 1 July 2026

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