Start your construction career with a Groundworks Apprenticeship

Earn while you learn on real construction sites, gaining hands-on experience in drainage, foundations, paving and site preparation, while working towards a recognised qualification and a long-term, stable career with progression opportunities.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
[Minimum wage rates](opens in new tab)

Training course

Groundworker (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday. Shifts to be confirmed. 40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

4

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Work on construction and civil engineering sites from start to finish
• Prepare groundworks: drainage, concreting, paving, roads & utilities
• Follow health, safety and environmental rules at all times
• Use hand tools, power tools and basic setting-out equipment
• Work as part of a team with supervisors and other trades
• Learn practical groundwork skills on live sites

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:

• Southway Drive, Plymouth, PL6 6QW
• Sherford Business Park, Plymouth, PL6 6RFE

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)
[Understanding apprenticeship levels](opens in new tab)

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