Groundworker Apprenticeship

Groundworkers are the first trade onto a construction and civil engineering site, and they work closely with supervisors and engineers in interpreting design specifications to prepare the site ready for the structural building works to take place. They continue their work throughout the construction phase, working with all on-site construction trades, such as bricklayers and plant operatives, up to and including the final completion activities of the project. Their work includes setting out and preparing the sub-surfaces ready for the structural work to begin, installing drainage systems, concreting, constructing roads and pathways and carrying out the finished hard landscaping. Groundworkers are able to transfer between heavy construction and civil engineering sites as well as house buildings, commercial buildings and general building sites. Groundworkers work for all types of construction companies, from small subcontractors to large main contractors.

The principles of health, safety, welfare and environmentally responsible work practices and how they must be applied in relation to the work, self and to others, including understanding the principles of risk assessments.

Basic awareness of environmental and health hazards e.g. Japanese knotweed, asbestos. How to identify contaminated ground conditions and the procedures for working safely on it.

Basic principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM), drawings, method statements, manufacturers’ information, work schedules and specifications.

Technology including key factors and systems of work appropriate to different work environments and industry sectors (e.g. civil engineering, private residential, commercial).

The differences between modern and traditional construction methods and the physical and environmental factors when undertaking construction work and their potential impacts.

The techniques to handle and move loads manually and with mechanical aids including guiding the movement of articulated vehicles, plant and machinery using hand signals, hand signalling equipment and verbal/electronic communication equipment and storing resources safely and securely.

Why, when and how health and safety control equipment should be used when undertaking groundworks (e.g. personal protective equipment (PPE)).

The principles and methods of working within confined space work.

Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms.

Establishing work area protection.

Locating and excavating to expose buried utility services providing temporary works, including excavation support.

The basic principles of internal/external drainage and ducting systems.

Measuring, marking, cutting and installing geo membranes to stabilise soil.

Reinstating excavations and ground surface finishes, including installing street ironworks.