Summary
Looking to start a rewarding career in construction? Join us as an Apprentice Groundworker and gain practical experience while learning from industry experts. You'll work on real projects, building essential skills while preparing construction sites safely and efficiently. We offer a safe, supportive environment where your growth comes first.
Wage
£17,680 a year
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 07:30am or 08:30 start. 8 hour shifts. With a morning break and lunch break each day dictated by site.
40 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
10
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
Day to day role responsibilities:
* Comply with company policies, site rules, Method Statements, Risk Assessments, COSHH assessment and other relevant health and safety assessments provided.
* Attend external training in line with current trade/industry criteria.
* The apprentice will be expected to assist with; installation foul and storm water drains, domestic drainage, non specialist concrete and preformed pavement slabs, edgings and kerb installation. As well as manual handling techniques, confined space, general site work and service ductwork.
* Road and footpath construction, external works, footing construction and other civil engineering activities as directed by their mentor, supervisor and/or site manager.
* Complete all necessary paper based work, candidate portfolio, to provide evidence of skills/knowledge on completion of their apprenticeship and throughout the duration of their apprenticeship.
Where you'll work
Springfield Lodge
Colchester Road Springfield
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 5PW
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
Your 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
Your training plan
* As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute. This will include Functional Skills in English and maths if required.
* College attendance for this course will be 1 day per week at the Colchester Campus.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
maths and English (grade A*-E/9-2)
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
Other requirements
Successful apprentices will be expected to make their own way to and from site and college. Reasonable assistance will be provided. Apprentices will be site based at one of our sites located throughout Essex.