Apprentice Groundworker
SMITH CONSTRUCTION GROUP LTD
Bedfordshire (MK6 4AE)
Closes in 11 days (Monday 4 May 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 22 April 2026
Contents
Summary
Looking to turn hands‑on work into a long‑term career in construction? Smith Construction Group Limited are expanding and are looking for two motivated Groundworker Apprentices to join their growing team.
- Wage
-
£17,500 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Annual Salary
- Training course
- Groundworker (level 2)
- Hours
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Monday to Friday 8am to 5 with an hour lunch.
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Sunday 30 August 2026
- Duration
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1 year 9 months
- Positions available
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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
If you’re looking to develop practical skills, achieve recognised qualifications, and build a long term career with a company that genuinely invests in its people, Smith Construction Group Limited would welcome your application.
As a Groundworker Apprentice, you’ll be involved from the very start of each project.
You’ll learn how to prepare construction sites, install drainage, lay concrete, and support general building works. This role offers hands on site experience alongside skilled groundworkers and bricklayers, combined with structured college based training to build your knowledge and qualifications.
What you’ll be doing:
- Preparing sites for construction works
- Installing drainage systems and carrying out concrete works
- Working to design specifications under the guidance of experienced mentors
- Supporting projects from initial site set up through to completion
- Gaining experience across commercial and civil engineering sites
What we’re looking for:
- Aged 18+ due to site work requirements health and safety
- A strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and develop
- An interest in practical, outdoor, hands-on work
- Reliable, motivated, and able to work well as part of a team
Successful candidates will have a genuine interest in construction, communicate effectively with supervisors and engineers, and work safely under site rules and procedures.
You’ll need to be physically fit, adaptable to changing instructions, health and safety aware, and able to take responsibility for safe working practices — including knowing when to seek specialist guidance.
Where you'll work
Smiths House
Maidstone Road
Milton Keynes
Bedfordshire
MK6 4AE
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
MILTON KEYNES 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 apprenticeship includes one day per week at MK College, working towards the Groundworker Apprenticeship Standard. You’ll combine college‑based learning with practical, on‑site training, developing the technical knowledge, qualifications, and real‑world skills needed for a successful career in groundwork and construction.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
“GCSE” in:
- “Maths” (grade 9-4)
- “English” (grade 9-4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication
- Team Player
- Motivated
- Reliable
- Professional
About this employer
Why join Smith Construction Group? Smith Construction Group deliver a comprehensive range of groundwork services, managing projects from initial planning through to final completion. The business maintains high site standards, with all staff holding CSCS cards and first‑aid training, ensuring a professional and safe working environment. Strong staff retention with a supportive team culture High‑quality training delivered by experienced industry professionals Clear long‑term career progression, not just short‑term work A respected and established groundwork company
After this apprenticeship
By completing further on the job training once becoming qualified you can become a skilled Groundworker. This can then lead to supervisor roles, being coming a General Foreman then eventually a Site Manager.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000027362.
Apply now
Closes in 11 days (Monday 4 May 2026 at 11:59pm)