Apprentice Groundworker

Colchester Institute Enterprises Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local training institute is offering a Groundworker apprenticeship in Colchester that provides hands-on learning in construction. Candidates will assist experienced groundworkers on various tasks including drainage and road construction, while studying towards a Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship. Expect a practical, outdoor environment working in all weather conditions. This full-time role includes a structured training program for future advancement.

Qualifications

• Physical fitness is essential for outdoor work.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to various tasks on site.
• Ability to work safely in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Learn all aspects of groundwork while working onsite with experienced operatives.
• Prepare construction sites for shallow foundations of new homes/buildings.
• Assist with day-to-day tasks and contact experienced groundworkers as required.

Skills

Physical fitness

Hardworking

Willing to Learn

Education

Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship

Tools

Power tools

Compactor plates

Job description

Overview

To learn all aspects of groundworks whilst working onsite with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, construction of driveways, as a brief outline of what you may be doing.

Groundworker (level 2) apprenticeship. Hours: Monday to Friday shifts (7:30am–5:00pm) and Saturday shifts (7:30am–1:00pm, if work is available). Breaks: 10:00am–10:20am and 1:00pm–1:30pm. The rate for September intake is £9.00 per hour (may be negotiable based on age and previous experience in construction).

Work duration

Duration: 1 year 6 months.

Responsibilities (What you’ll do at work)

As part of this role, you will study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute and learn on the job by gaining hands-on experience. Key activities include:

• Learn all aspects of groundwork while working onsite with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, and construction of driveways.
• Prepare construction sites for shallow foundations of new homes/buildings.
• Remove sewage, redirect waterways by flow or pumping, concreting the proposed site and laying both kerbs and flagstones.
• On-site learning and assisting experienced groundworkers; duties vary by site works.
• Day-to-day contact is Nicky Collins.

Where you’ll work

Location details are not specified beyond Colchester Institute involvement; the employer is MDS Civil Engineering Ltd.

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• Work safely and securely in line with information, policies, and health, safety and welfare legislation, including procedures for working in contaminated ground.
• Adhere to productive working practices and complete work according to the programme.
• Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from supervisors and site managers.
• Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications.
• Select required resources including tools and fixtures; move, handle and store resources in line with relevant legislation.
• 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; use basic setting-out equipment (tape measures, levels, straight edges, lines, pins, boning rods, laser equipment).
• Install, maintain and remove temporary protection and safety arrangements for the work area (barriers, temporary structures, notices, lighting).
• Install and test basic drainage and ducting; install geo-membranes to stabilise soil for reinstatement and excavations.
• Transport, place, compact and finish concrete to slabs/bases, footing oversights, paths, and form slab edgings including reinforcement and kerbs.
• Set out and lay flags, paviours and edging to paths, driveways and other areas; install ironworks relating to access covers 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 movement of vehicles, plant or machinery.
• Study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute (college attendance: 1 day per week at Colchester Campus).

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Physical fitness
• Hardworking
• Willing to Learn

Other requirements

The role is outside and will involve working in all weather conditions.

About this employer

MDS Civil Engineering Ltd. From Inception to Conclusion. Specialists in Groundwork and Civil Engineering, Housing, Commercial and Infrastructure. We engage from viability, land purchase, design and construction, using the latest programmes and digitised take-offs to produce a comprehensive bill of quantities. We aim to promote from within where possible, offering future opportunities to progress after the apprenticeship.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 15 May 2026. After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company’s website.