Summary
Apprentices will be provided with the opportunity to combine their college training with enrolment on our internal skills training programme which gives practical training and experience in the key skills required to become a successful groundworker. On completion their is an opportunity to join the Company as a permanent employee.
Wage
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Thursday, 07:00 - 16:00(inclusive of unpaid breaks). Friday, 07:00 - 15:00(inclusive of unpaid breaks).
39 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
2 years
Positions available
4
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
Apprentices will join our existing team of operational staff based on construction sites contributing to the construction of projects.
Tasks will include:
* Assisting lead tradesmen;
* Paving works;
* Kerbing;
* Laying Tarmac;
* Drainage works;
* All other aspects of road construction and general civil engineering works.
Where you’ll work
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
* HALL LANE WORKS, HALL LANE, FARNWORTH, BOLTON, BL4 7QF
* Alvanley Industrial Estate, Stockport Road East, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2DJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
HOPWOOD HALL COLLEGE
Your training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* Work safely and securely in compliance with given information, organisational policies and procedures, and current health, safety and welfare legislation including following the procedures for working in contaminated ground
* Conform with productive working practices and completing the work in accordance with the programme of work
* Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from supervisors and site managers
* Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications
* Select the required resources including tools and fixtures
* Move, handle and store resources complying with relevant legislation & guidance
* 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
* Select and use basic setting out equipment including tape measures, levels, straight edges, lines and pins, boning rods and laser equipment under guidance of the supervisor
* Install, maintain and remove temporary protection and safety arrangements for the work area relating to barriers and temporary structures, including protection, safety notices and safety lighting
* Install and test basic drainage and ducting
* Measure, mark, cut and install geo-membranes to stabilise soil for re-instatement and excavations
* Transport and place, then compact and finish concrete to slabs/bases, footing oversights, paths, form slab edgings including positioning reinforcement and kerbs
* Set out and lay flags, paviours and edging to paths, driveways and other areas
* Install ironworks relating to access covers and frames, 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 the movement of vehicles, plant or machinery
Your training plan
We are working with a number of colleges across the north-west of England to secure places on apprentice approved training programmes.
Apprentices will attend college 1 day per week at either Salford, Hopwood Hall College or Preston College to acheive an NVQ Level 2 in Construction Operations or Level 2 Groundworker qualification.
The apprentice will also be enrolled on our own internal skill training programme which will provide the apprentice with evidence of practical skills which they have learnt in the workplace and will be invaluable to employers.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* english (grade 5)
* mathematics (grade 5)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
* Physical fitness
Other requirements
Physical work sometimes in inclement weather