I want to be a
Bricklayer or Grounds Worker
Level 2
Groundworker, Apprenticeship
One of the great advantages of pursuing a career in construction is the potential for swift entry into the workforce. With an apprenticeship, you not only gain valuable experience but also learn, study, and earn money at the same time.
Groundworking is an essential role in construction. Groundworkers are the first tradespeople onto a construction and civil engineering site. They work closely with supervisors and engineers in interpreting design specifications to prepare the site for structural building works. This includes laying foundations, installing drainage systems, concreting, constructing roads and pathways, and carrying out the finished hard landscaping. They continue their work throughout the construction phase, up to and including the completion activities of the project.
Our courses are led by experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the. This means you'll receive specialised training and guidance, as well as unrivalled access to local employers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. We focus not only on practical skills but also on developing employability skills, ensuring that you are equipped with the abilities necessary to thrive in the construction sector.
As a Weston College apprentice, you will join our Career Excellence Hub, which provides numerous career-boosting benefits and focuses on preparing you for the workplace. You will have unrivalled access to local employers and gain fantastic insights into the industry through work experience, site visits, and master classes. Our strong partnerships with renowned companies such as Wilmott Dixon, Bradfords, St. Modwen, Galliford Try, Balfour Beatty, Kier, Hydrock, and Real Group ensure that you establish valuable connections and receive the support and development you need to reach your career goals. At the South West Skills Campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art training facilities that mirror real-world construction environments. These facilities include well-equipped workshops for each trade area, an industry-standard materials testing lab, an excellent array of tools and equipment, and specialised software packages for individual subjects. We also offer renewable technologies training, an outdoor working arena, and a well-resourced library with e-resources and a laptop loan service.
WHAT DOES THIS COURSE INVOLVE
An apprentice will learn to:
-
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 on contaminated ground.
-
Conform with productive working practices and complete 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 the 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 reinstatement and excavations.
-
Transport and place, then compact and finish concrete to slabs/bases, footing oversights, paths, and 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 1.2M).
-
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.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
We will assess your practical skills and workplace performance. The end point assessment will consist of a knowledge test, a 3-day skills test, and a professional discussion (supported by a portfolio).
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Many of our apprentices are kept on by their employer at the end of the programme. Many move on to Level 3 or 4 civil engineering technician apprenticeship.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
There are no formal entry requirements, but you will be assessed to ensure you are competent in English and maths to at least Level 1. You will also need to be in relevant employment, but we can help you find this.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Ready to apply – please use the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this page.
I’d like to visit and see the facilities and chat with staff – see when our next open event is here: EVENTS | Weston College
I have a quick question – use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.