To be a groundworker, you will need a good level of fitness, a basic knowledge of building methods and an understanding of the materials used in construction. At the start of a job, you will help to prepare the site, unload and store building materials and once the work gets underway, further duties could include:
- Ground working – marking out and digging shallow trenches for foundations
- Form working – putting up or dismantling the shuttering that holds the concrete in place
- Steel fixing – bending and fixing the bars used to reinforce concrete structures
- Steel piling – fixing steel sheets together to form temporary retaining walls for excavation work
- Concreting – layering and smoothing concrete for foundations, floors and beams
- Road working – concreting, laying kerbs, paving and re-surfacing
Typical Working Week
You will work on site for four days per week and attend college for one day a week. Most site hours are Monday to Friday, 08.00-17.00.
Career Progression
On completion of NVQ L2 in Groundworks you will gain your blue trade specific CSCS card which enables you to work as a qualified construction operative. There are also opportunities to progress into plant operations or into site supervisory or management roles.
Key Training/College Information
K10 will enrol and fund your qualifications through a SFA funded training provider. It is likely to take 12-24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.
Person Specification
- Punctual
- Positive attitude to work and colleagues
- Practical ability and awareness of working safely
- A good head for heights and sense of balance
- Self-motivation and desire to learn
- Is both resilient and committed
- Good co-ordination skills and a methodical approach
- Is always looking to improve
- Enjoys being a team player
Qualifications required
Applicants need to have at least an Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade 3 (D) or above in English and Maths.
The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified construction operative. It would be advantageous if you have any construction based qualifications, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.
Who We Are
We are UK’s largest construction-specific Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency. Founded in 2009, we are an award-winning social enterprise with a passion to convert potential.
Our aim is to place our learners in sustainable employment on projects in their local area. To do this, we collaborate with government, referral organisations, local authorities, developers, contractors, and colleges, to deliver apprenticeship programmes specifically designed to upskill the future of construction.