Apprentice Groundworks Operative

Summary

The apprentice will work alongside experienced operatives carrying out drainage, concreting, carriageway construction, paving and infrastructure works. They will develop practical skills in groundworks, use tools and equipment safely, follow health and safety procedures, and contribute to high-quality civil engineering projects.

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

To be discussed at interview, typical working week is Monday to Friday 7am to 4.30pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 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

• Assist with excavation and ground preparation activities
• Install and maintain drainage systems, including pipes and chambers
• Prepare, pour and finish concrete for a variety of construction works
• Carry out carriageway, footway and kerbing works
• Lay paving, block paving and associated hard landscaping
• Support infrastructure and civil engineering projects
• Operate and maintain hand tools and powered equipment safely
• Assist with setting out work and interpreting drawings and site instructions
• Follow health, safety, environmental and quality procedures at all times
• Work effectively as part of a construction team under the supervision of experienced operatives
• Load, unload and safely store materials and equipment
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment
• Complete daily site records and communicate progress with supervisors
• Develop practical skills across a range of groundworks and civil engineering activities
• Adhere to company policies, industry regulations and safe systems of work

Where you'll work

1 TRINITY STREET
HULL
HU3 1JR

Training

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

Training provider

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

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

Groundworker Level 2.

The apprentice will train four days per week in the workplace, developing their practical skills and knowledge with the support of their employer. They will attend Bishop Burton College’s Bishop Burton campus one day per week, which will count towards their required off-the-job training hours.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Physical fitness
• Punctual
• Committed
• Safety-conscious
• Eager
• Motivated
• Dedicated

Other requirements

This is a physically demanding, hands-on role working on construction sites in all weather conditions throughout the year. You will be expected to work outdoors, carry out manual tasks and be comfortable using a range of tools, equipment and machinery while always following strict health and safety procedures. Good communication is essential, particularly with your assigned mentor and wider team, to ensure work activities and travel arrangements are well coordinated. Applicants must be reliable, safety-conscious and prepared to work hard as part of a professional team.