Groundworker

Also known as - Formworker, plant operator .

A groundworker is a construction professional who prepares the ground before, during and after building. Usually the first tradesperson on a construction site, groundworkers set out and prepare the sub-surfaces ready for the structural work to begin, installing drainage systems, concreting, carrying out de-vegetation, interpreting design specifications and more. Groundworkers work throughout a construction project and often carry out the final tasks, such as laying driveways and footpaths.

Onsite
Trade-Craft
Secondary qualifications
Fixing things

What does a groundworker do?

As a groundworker you will be working as part of a team who carry out the very first, and often last, work on a construction site. A groundworker is responsible for carrying out a wide range of duties, including:

Clearing a construction site
Digging trenches for foundations
Setting up a site, putting up barriers, safety signs, huts, etc.
Following all health and safety procedures
Providing excavation support to other construction professionals
Interpreting the use of drawings and specifications
Laying pavements, kerbs and driveways
Concreting sites
Removing drainage and pipework systems
Operating plant machinery, such as excavators and dumper trucks
Preparing the ground/foundations to allow construction to begin
Redirecting waterways and connecting pipes with existing pipework.

How to become a groundworker

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a groundworker, there are several routes you could take to help you pursue this career. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming a groundworker, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

If you’re involved with plant operations, you will need a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card.

College/training provider

Although there are no set entry requirements, anyone considering a career as a groundworker would benefit from achieving GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) in maths and English.

You could study for a Level 1 Certificate in Groundworks or Construction Skills, or a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Groundwork and General Construction.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.

You could complete a level 2 groundworker apprenticeship, which is equivalent to five GCSE passes and is highly regarded by construction employers.

There are no entry requirements, although you will need a good understanding of written and spoken English.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could apply directly to an employer to become a trainee groundworker, especially if you have some onsite experience in a similar role such as a labourer or plant operative. This would give you the opportunity to develop your skills, and your employer may provide training to help you progress to an experienced groundworker or senior groundworker.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a groundworker. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a groundworker include:

Good problem-solving skills
Basic numeracy skills
Good level of physical fitness
Enthusiastic with a good work ethic
Working effectively as part of a team
Ability to follow instructions.

Qualifications

England

To become a groundworker, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations
Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a groundworker, you could complete a:

SVQ at Level 5 Construction and Civil Engineering Operations

Wales

To become a groundworker, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Groundworking

How much could you earn as a groundworker

The expected salary for a groundworker varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained groundworkers can start at £20,000

• Trained with experience groundworkers can earn up to £60,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

As a groundworker, you could build on your existing skillset by completing extra training and qualifications to specialise in a similar role, such as a plant operative, demolition operative or roadworker.

Alternatively, you could progress to a different role within construction, such as a bricklayer or carpenter.

With experience, you could become a site supervisor or construction manager.