Groundworker Apprentice

Summary

As a Apprentice Groundworker, you will work towards the Level 2 Groundworker Operative apprenticeship standard, gaining practical experience on active civil engineering sites. An Apprentice Groundworker supports the construction of buildings, roads, pathways, and infrastructure by carrying out essential groundwork activities. 

Wage

£18,304 to £29,080.48, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Thursday 7:30 - 17:00 and 7:30 - 16:00 on Friday.

44 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 2026

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

As an Apprentice Groundworker, duties may include:

• Assisting with site preparation and clearance activities.
• Digging trenches and excavations for foundations, drainage systems, and utilities.
• Installing drainage pipes, manholes, and underground services.
• Preparing and laying concrete, paving, kerbs, and footpaths.
• Assisting with the construction of foundations and substructures.
• Operating hand tools and basic construction equipment safely.
• Measuring and setting out work areas under supervision.
• Loading, unloading, and moving construction materials around site.
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised work environment.
• Following health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times.
• Working effectively as part of a construction team.
• Attending apprenticeship training and completing coursework as required.

Where you'll work

CATHERINE HOUSE
STATION ROAD
CHINLEY
HIGH PEAK
SK23 6AR

Training

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

Training provider

HOPWOOD HALL 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

One day per week at college (M24 6XH), day to be confirmed. Monthly reviews with your allocated assessor. Consistent updates to your portfolio work are required.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade Grade 4/C or above)
• Maths (grade Grade 4/C or above)

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
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Willingness to learn

Other requirements

CSCS card if possible. 

Over 18 due to nature of the role.