Summary
Learn to prepare sites, dig foundations, lay drainage, and handle materials safely as a Groundworker apprentice. Gain hands-on experience, work as part of a skilled team, and build a career in a high-demand trade with excellent progression opportunities.
Wage
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm
40 hours a week
Start date
Thursday 25 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
4
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
* Prepare and clear construction sites for building work
* Dig and set out foundations, trenches, and drainage systems
* Lay and compact hardcore, concrete, and other base materials
* Install drainage, piping, and utility services as required
* Operate hand tools, small plant, and machinery safely
* Follow health and safety procedures at all times
* Work as part of a construction team and learn teamwork skills
* Read and follow drawings, plans, and specifications
* Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in good condition
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
* 18A MELBOURNE ROAD, LISKEARD, PL14 4JF
* Pentewan Road, St. Austell, PL25 5BU
* 63 Trevarthian Road, St. Austell, PL25 4BY
* Unit 2A, Pentewan Road, St. Austell, PL25 5BU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
GREENLIGHT TRAINING LIMITED
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
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
* Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
* Training will take place at our Plymouth, Plympton centre, 2 consecutive days every other week
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
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Logical
* Initiative
* Physical fitness