As a Groundworker you would work on building sites and in public places alongside skilled tradespeople.
You could work on projects ranging from new housing developments to road building. General construction operatives can work with concrete, lay drainage and pavements and excavate holes and trenches.
With a basic knowledge of building methods and materials, they are involved in projects from start to finish and responsible for the building and reinforcing of excavations with concrete and metal materials. There are a lot of safety procedures to get to grips with, so they need to follow strict health and safety regulations at all times.
Ideal occupations linked with this Apprenticeship include: Groundwork Operatives, Concrete Workers, Highway Maintenance Operatives and General Site Operatives.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Depending on the pathway you choose, the units will be tailored towards your company's activity. An example of the units covered in General Construction are below:
Core subjects include: Health, safety and welfare; Information, quantities and communication; and Understanding civil engineering technology.
You will also cover: Establish work area protection and safety – general construction; Lay domestic drainage; and Place and finish non-specialist concrete.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
To pass the Apprenticeship you must achieve a Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths & English if you do not already hold the qualifications.
You will also be assessed by:
Assignments
Portfolio of evidence
Class tests
Practical demonstrations
Multiple choice tests
End Point Assessment
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
You can progress onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Professional Construction which can progress you onto Higher Level study in areas such as Civil Engineering or surveying.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
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 building, commercial building and general building sites. Groundworkers work for all types of construction companies from small subcontractors to large main contractors.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
An apprenticeship at level 2 requires you to complete, or be working towards a level 1 in Functional Skills for Maths and English. Depending on your prior attainment level, you may be required to complete an initial assessment to check suitability for entry onto the programme. If you have already achieved GCSE grades at E/2 or above, you may be exempt from completing this as part of the apprenticeship. Please note, that depending on grades previously achieved, you may be expected to upskill towards a level 2 in Functional Skills Maths and/or English. Furthermore, all candidates will have an interview with the Apprenticeship Specialist to assess suitably before being accepted on to an apprenticeship programme.
