Groundworker Apprentice

Summary

Roadform Civil Engineering are offering an exciting opportunity to join their dynamic team as a Groundworker apprentice! Gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to kickstart your career as a Groundworker.

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 5.00pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

4

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

Groundworkers are essential to construction projects, preparing the foundation for buildings, roads and infrastructure. As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience in tasks such as:

Site preparation
Laying drainage and utilities
Concreting, kerbing and paving
Understanding construction drawings and working safely on-site
Working within a civils team of operatives on a large site environment
Carrying out excavations, with an involvement installing temporary works support measures
Learning how to work safely on site whilst adhering to site rules and regulations
Setting up site and work areas, ensuring they are adequately maintained
Attending workforce briefings
Learning from supervisors or mentors about advance techniques
Problem solving identifying and resolving minor issues during construction
Attending relevant site training courses
Handling basic tools such as shovels, breakers and other small items of plant

Where you'll work

Roadform House
Milber Trading Estate
Newton Abbot
TQ12 4SG

Training

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

College or training organisation

CORNWALL 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 be working towards a Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship Standard
You will receive on and off-the-job training and support from an assessor and an apprenticeship advisor
You will be required to attend Bicton College for block weeks as part of the apprenticeship training

More training information

You will also complete CSCS and Manual Handling training.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

Applicants will need their own transport to and from work and college.

About this company

Over 35 years of experience in Civil Engineering and Construction, Roadform is a trusted name in the sector. Our team comprises 200 dedicated employees, partners and operatives supported by a core group of carefully selected and experienced sub-contractors, enabling us to deliver a broad scope of works to the highest standards. Customer satisfaction is at the core of our business, and our team is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards across all our projects. We prioritise Health, Safety, Environmental standards, and Quality Assurance, adhering to strict protocols to ensure a secure working environment for our team and yours. Our commitment to these principles not only guarantees the safety and quality of our work but also reflects our responsibility to the communities we serve. Our experienced teams are committed to mentoring and developing apprentices, helping them grow their careers. Work on a variety of programmes across the South West, gaining valuable on-the-job training. We have sites in North Devon (Bideford, South Molton, Barnstaple) and South Devon (Exeter, Newton Abbot, Paignton and Bridport). Our apprenticeships are based on live construction sites so applicants must be willing to travel to different locations as required.

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

After this apprenticeship

Successfully completing the Groundworker Apprenticeship at Roadform opens up multiple career pathways in the construction and civil engineering industry. Apprentices will gain valuable experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and practical skills that can lead to long-term employment and further career development.

Potential Career Routes After Qualification:

Qualified Groundworker – Move into a full-time role at Roadform, working on large-scale projects in civil engineering and infrastructure.

Skilled Operative / Specialist Trades – With further training and experience, apprentices can specialise in:

Machine operating (digger/dumper/roller driver)
Drainage and utilities installation
Concreting and formwork
Kerbing and paving
Site Supervisor / Foreman – With additional experience and qualifications (such as the SSSTS or SMSTS supervisor courses), apprentices can progress into a supervisory role, managing teams on-site.
Civil Engineering Technician / Higher-Level Roles – Those interested in design and project planning can explore further education, such as a HNC/HND or degree in Civil Engineering, leading to careers in project management, quantity surveying, or site engineering.

Why Choose This Path?

Roadform supports apprentices beyond their qualification, offering long-term career opportunities.
The construction industry is always in demand, ensuring job stability.
Opportunities for further qualifications and promotions mean excellent career growth potential.

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