Groundworker Apprenticeships

What is Groundworking?

A groundworker prepares the ground before, during and after a building project, so that other trades can do their job. They are often the first workers on a construction site and might remain there throughout the works. Groundworkers could be installing drainage systems, laying road surfaces, clearing land of vegetation, laying driveways and footpaths.

An apprenticeship is one of the most effective paths to become a groundworker.

A groundworker using rubber mallet to firmly position concrete block

How do groundworker apprenticeships work?

A Level 2 Groundworker apprenticeship is spent working with an employer, in which apprentices receive training in the skills they will need for a groundworking role. Groundworking apprentices earn a salary and put what they learn into practice in their day-to-day work for their employer.

How long are groundworker apprenticeships?

A Level 2 Groundworker apprenticeship is an 18-month programme.

How much do I earn as a groundworker apprentice?

As a groundworking apprentice, you are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage – the levels of this depend on your age.

A groundworking apprentice is paid for:

Your normal working hours
Training that’s part of your apprenticeship
Study towards maths and English qualifications if they’re part of your apprenticeship

Also, you are entitled to the minimum holiday allowance of at least 20 days per year plus Bank Holidays.

What types of groundworker apprenticeships are available?

There is just one in England – the Level 2 Construction Groundworker apprenticeship. This gives apprentices training in a wide range of construction activities, duties and skills, principally being able to interpret design specifications in order to prepare a construction site for structural building works to take place.

In Scotland groundworker apprenticeships are offered as part of general Modern Apprenticeship Construction Specialist programmes. These are at SCQF Level 5.

The Level 2 Groundworker apprenticeship is also offered in Wales.

What will I learn during a groundworker apprenticeship?

Groundworker apprentices will learn how to undertake the following tasks during the course of their apprenticeship, both through their formal training and by shadowing their colleagues on construction sites:

Clearing a construction site
Digging trenches for foundations
Setting up a site, putting up barriers, safety signs, huts, etc.
Providing excavation support to other construction professionals
Interpreting the use of drawings and specifications
Laying pavements, kerbs, and driveways
Learning how to mix and apply concrete
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
Learning how to work safely on site, following health and safety guidelines and welfare regulations

Qualifications required to become a groundworker

In England there are no formal entry requirements for groundworker apprentices, but applicants should have the Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Maths, and should take the test for Level 2 English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship programme.

There are no formal qualifications required for groundworking in Scotland but some employers may ask for vocational construction qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.

As in England there are no formal entry requirements for groundworker apprentices in Wales. Applicants should have the Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Maths, or GCSE passes in English and Maths (grades 3-1/D-G).

A groundworker course will require apprentices to work on construction sites, for which they will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

Skills required to become a groundworker

Physical fitness, strength and stamina to cope with lifting and bending
To be able to understand instructions and carry them out reliably and efficiently
Some knowledge of health and safety issues
To be good with numbers
To be able to work confidently on your own, or as part of a team

Future prospects and career progression

Trained and senior groundworkers could become site supervisors, plant operators or demolition specialists. In terms of earnings, senior groundworkers can earn £25,000 - £30,000 or more, and self-employed groundworkers can set their own pay rates.

How to apply for a groundworker apprenticeship

If you are interested in applying for a groundworking apprenticeship, one of the best things to do is look for vacancies being offered by local construction companies. Do some searches on job websites and use the government’s apprenticeship service. If you've had some previous work experience at a company, ask if they are taking on any new apprentices. You will have to apply for any apprenticeship role, so will need to produce a CV, write a covering letter and attend an interview.

Find out more about the role of a groundworker

You could:

Read our job profile
Find more jobs in construction that don’t need experience

Where to find groundworker apprenticeships

Choose one of the below job posting sites to find groundworker apprenticeships in England, Scotland and Wales.