Apprentice Groundworker

WILSON SERVICES LTD

YORK (YO43 3PW)

Closes in 21 days (Monday 20 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 30 March 2026

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Summary

Apprentices gain practical skills in groundworks and drainage, including excavation, site preparation and the use of tools and equipment. The role develops safe working practices, teamwork and technical skills to support civil engineering projects.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

To be discussed at interview 

Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
Usual working day 7.30am to 3pm. Depending on season and demand, to be confirmed at the interview.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 11 May 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

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

The apprentice will support groundworks and civil engineering activities, including land drainage works, installation of septic and treatment tanks, surveying ground and site areas, jetting and excavation works, and foundation preparation. They will also assist with the safe use of plant machinery and tools while following health and safety procedures.

Where you'll work

ROBEANNE HOUSE
DRIFFIELD LANE
SHIPTONTHORPE
YORK
YO43 3PW

Training

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

Training provider

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

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

This programme is delivered through a block release model to minimise disruption to the business. Apprentices attend college in planned block weeks throughout the programme, rather than a weekly day release. This allows them to remain fully embedded in the workplace for longer periods, while still completing the required off-the-job training. The programme is designed to be completed in an accelerated timeframe, with structured college blocks and a final end-point assessment phase.

More training information

Please note that delivery is subject to business needs. The programme may revert to a traditional day-release model (1 day per week in college), with the full standard duration applied. This will be discussed and agreed at the appointment.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

Groundworks is physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions. Early starts, manual labour and busy construction sites are part of the role. The work requires reliability, teamwork and a strong work ethic. A full driving licence and own transport are essential due to the site locations.

About this employer

Wilson Services Ltd is a UK-based civil engineering and drainage company operating from Shiptonthorpe, East Yorkshire. The business provides specialist services including drainage works, groundworks and related infrastructure support for residential and commercial clients, with a focus on reliability and practical solutions.

Wilson Services Ltd offers hands-on experience within a small, supportive team where apprentices learn directly from experienced professionals. We provide varied site work, practical skill development and clear progression opportunities within the groundworks and civil engineering sector.

 

Company benefits

There is opportunity for pay progression as skills and experience develop, with details to be discussed at interview.

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will be considered for a full-time role with Wilson Services Ltd, subject to performance and business needs, with opportunities for continued skill development and progression within the company.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

Jade Bishop

apprenticeshipenquiries@bishopburton.ac.uk

01964553056

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024024.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Monday 20 April 2026 at 11:59pm)