Apprentice Groundworker

Summary

To learn all aspects of groundworks whilst working on-site with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, construction of driveways, as a brief outline of what you may be doing.

Wage

£18,720 a year

• Starting salary based on £9.00 per hour for this September's intake, this may be negotiable depending on age and previous experience in construction.

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday shifts to be confirmed from 7:30am - 5:00pm and 7:30am - 1:00pm on Saturday if work is available. Hours over 40 per week will only be available to those 18+. Your breaks will be 10:00am - 10:20am and 1:00pm - 1:30pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

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

As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute.

Groundworks Apprentice:

• To learn all aspects of groundwork whilst working on-site with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, construction of driveways as a brief outline of what you may be doing
• Groundworkers prepare a construction site for the shallow foundation of a new home/building

Main duties include:

• Removing sewage, redirecting waterways by flow or pumping, concreting the proposed site and laying both kerbs and flagstones
• To work on-site learning and assisting experienced groundworkers
• Duties will vary depending on what work is being carried out on site
• Day-to-day contact is Nicky Collins

Where you'll work

19 Fourth Avenue
Bluebridge Industrial Estate
Halstead
CO9 2SY

Training

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

Training provider

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

What you'll learn

• 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

• As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute
• College attendance for this course will be 1 day per week at the Colchester Campus

Requirements

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

Skills

• Communication skills
• Team working
• Physical fitness
• Hardworking
• Listening Skills
• Willing to Learn

Other requirements

The role is working outside and will involve working in all weathers.