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.

During the apprenticeship programme, apprentices will gain the following core knowledge, skills, and behaviours; The principles of health, safety, welfare and environmentally responsible work practices; awareness of environmental and health hazards; 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; erecting and dismantling access/working platforms; establishing work area protection; locating and excavating to expose buried utility services; providing temporary works including excavation support; internal/external drainage and ducting systems; measuring, marking, cutting and installing geo membranes to stabilise soil; gauging, mixing, placing, compacting and finishing mortars and concrete by hand and by mixer; reinstating excavations and ground surface finishes; conform with productive working practices and completing the work in accordance with the programme of work; use and maintain power tools and equipment; gauge and mix mortars and concrete by hand and by mixer; risk Management.