Apprentice Groundworker

SMITH CONSTRUCTION GROUP LTD

MILTON KEYNES (MK10 5QD)

Closes in 5 days (Monday 4 May 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 24 April 2026

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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

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Annual Salary

Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 07:30am to 5pm with an hour lunch.

40 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 30 August 2026

Duration

1 year 9 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

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, gaining hands‑on experience across a range of groundwork activities while working alongside experienced groundworkers and bricklayers.

This role includes, but is not limited to:

  • Construction site setup: Assisting with site clearance works, installing temporary fencing, and setting up site safety measures
  • Excavation & foundations: Supporting excavation works, digging trenches, and assisting with laying foundations
  • Drainage works: Learning how to lay pipes, gullies, and install drainage systems to specification
  • Concreting: Assisting with concrete pouring, levelling, and finishing tasks
  • General groundworks: Learning to install kerbs, block paving, and tarmac surfaces
  • Tools & compliance: Learning how to use and maintain tools and equipment safely and securely, working in line with provided information, environmental and organisational policies, and current health, safety, and welfare legislation

You’ll support projects from initial site set‑up through to completion, gain experience across commercial and civil engineering sites, and work to drawings and specifications under the guidance of experienced mentors.

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, able to work outside in all weather, follow changing instructions, work safely at all times, and know when to ask for advice or specialist support.

Where you'll work

SMITH HOUSE
MAIDSTONE ROAD
KINGSTON
MILTON KEYNES
MK10 5QD

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 Level 2 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:

  • English (grade 9-4)
  • Maths (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

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

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 VAC2000028291.

Apply now

Closes in 5 days (Monday 4 May 2026 at 11:59pm)