Groundworker Apprentice

SYD VARLEY GROUNDWORKS LTD

Stanley Co Durham (DH97YB)

Closes in 10 days (Friday 14 November 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 3 November 2025

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Summary

Syd Varley Groundworks are looking for a Groundworker Apprentice to join the team. You will be working to help prepare construction sites for building work. This includes setting out according to specifications, preparing surfaces, installing drainage systems, and assisting in the construction of roads and other groundwork activities.

Wage

£15,704 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)

£7.55 apprentice minimum wage

Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
8am – 4.30 pm with a half hour break.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 24 November 2025

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

Daily Duties will include;

  • Setting out and preparing the sub-surfaces ready for the work to begin installing drainage systems.
  • Concreting.
  • Constructing roads and pathways.
  • Carrying out the finished hard landscaping.
  • Put through plant operator tickets.

Where you'll work

Unit 2
Willow Way Industrial Estate Greencroft Ind Park
Stanley Co Durham
DH97YB

Training

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

Training provider

DERWENTSIDE 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

Training will be delivered at Derwentside College via block release. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Math (grade 4/C)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Stamina

Other requirements

A driving licence and access to a car would be preferred or be local to get to work for early starts. Pick up by one of the work vans may be possible, depending on the area where you live. Travel to Derwentside College for block release is essential. A CSCS Card is required prior to starting this role.

About this employer

Syd Varley Groundworks Ltd is based in Crook but covers all of the North East. Our work is mainly on Housing sites in County Durham and Newcastle. We pride ourselves on our outstanding quality of work and always aim to deliver an excellent service to our clients.

After this apprenticeship

For the right candidate, upon completion of the apprenticeship, there is the possibility of a full-time position. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE

Apprenticeship Recruitment Team

apprenticeships@derwentside.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000343447.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Friday 14 November 2025 at 11:59pm)

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