What does a groundwork apprentice do?
Groundworkers are usually the first trade to arrive on a site, and you will prepare and finish the ground ready for building to commence. This could include the following:
- Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety rules
- Clearing the site of vegetation and rubbish
- Digging trenches for foundations, drains and utilities and laying concrete for foundations and sub-surfaces
- Installing and connecting drainage systems and pipes and sometimes redirecting waterways
- Setting up the site perhaps erecting barriers, safety signs and huts and marking out the construction area
- Using plant machinery such as excavators and dumper trucks to more earth and materials
You would then move to a different site to do the same thing all over again, but could return once the buildings are completed to lay pavements, driveways, kerbs and footpaths. You might also do some landscaping or lay new vegetation.
Key skills to be a successful groundwork apprentice
- You must be physically fit – you will lift heavy materials and work in all weather conditions for long periods of time
- You must work as part of a team with colleagues, site managers and other tradespeople to ensure smooth and safe working
- You must understand and follow health and safety regulations to protect yourself and others
- You must be able to solve problems, for example identifying and resolving unexpected issues such as difficult terrain or unforeseen obtacles
- You will be given technical knowledge to use tools, machinery and interpret plans and drawings which is essential for excavation and laying foundations
- Basic numeracy is essential so you can take precise measurements and perform calculations
- Manage tasks effectively to meet project deadlines
What does the training look like?
The training lasts for approximately 13 months. You will spend 10 weeks at our bespoke training centre at Catherine Street in Aston (B6 5RS) which is a 10 minute walk from Aston train station and close to bus routes.
In those 10 weeks you will have theory and practical lessons to teach the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a groundworker and you will develop your maths and English capability.
You will also complete a programme of wider learning including topics such as how to stay safe, understanding British values, how to eat healthy on a construction site, internet safety etc.
You will learn about careers in construction and plan your own career path.
Your employer will also spend some time with you on site teaching you knowledge, skills and behaviours, and you will be expected to complete a portfolio of evidence of what you are learning on site.
You will meet with your employer and tutor 4 times during the apprenticeship to review your progress and agree targets to complete your apprenticeship on time.
End Point Assessment
At the end of your training your employer and your tutor will meet with you to agree a time for you to complete your end point assessment where an independent assessor will test you on the following areas
Knowledge test – a multiple choice test of your groundwork knowledge
Skills test – a 3 day practical assessment of your slabbing, drainage and concreting skills
Professional discussion – based on your portfolio of evidence
What happens after the apprenticeship?
Most of our apprentices stay with their employer after they have completed the apprenticeship. Once they have passed they will be able to apply for their blue CSCS card and the vast majority of our apprentices become self employed.