Groundwork Apprenticeships
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High‑quality apprenticeship pathways with dedicated groundwork training for the construction industry. We support individuals starting out and employers growing skilled teams.
Ready to start a Groundwork Apprenticeship - or hire an apprentice?
Whether you're an individual ready to begin your career or an employer looking to strengthen your workforce, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to start your Groundwork Apprenticeship journey.
For Employers
Build a skilled Groundwork workforce
At The Skills Centre, we partner with contractors and employers across the UK to deliver high-quality Groundwork Apprenticeships, supporting your business to recruit, train and retain the next generation of skilled workers.
Why choose The Skills Centre?
- Block release - enable your learners to work on larger projects and develop their skills more rapidly through monthly block release - bringing more value to your site.
- Training centres in London and Bicester
- Full apprenticeship management - onboarding, compliance, and progress tracking
- Dedicated account management and regular reporting
- Guidance on employer incentives and apprenticeship funding
- Key partners with CONSTRUCT Group ensuing constant alignment with industry need and best practice
Funding your Groundwork Apprenticeship
- Levy-paying employers: Fund training directly via your apprenticeship digital account.
- Non-levy paying employers: Access 95% government funding - we'll help you with the paperwork.
- Grants available for learners under 24 and-or care leavers
What's required from employers?
- A genuine Groundwork job role for the duration of the apprenticeship
- Support for off-the-job training and learning - allowing learners to attend training to meet the required hours for their standard
- Involvement in site assessments and mentoring (mentor training available)
- Compliance with employment regulations and health & safety
For Learners
Earn while you learn with a Groundwork Apprenticeship
Groundworkers are the first on site, preparing the ground so construction can begin safely and accurately. They support the build from start to finish, working with supervisors, engineers and all on‑site trades. Their work includes setting out, preparing sub‑surfaces, installing drainage, concreting, building roads and paths, and completing final hard‑landscaping. Groundworkers can move across civil engineering, heavy construction, housing and commercial projects, working for companies of all sizes.
At The Skills Centre, you’ll gain practical, hands-on skills in our specialist training yards and classrooms, alongside real-world experience on active construction sites. Over 15–18 months, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed as a Groundworker – and get paid while you learn.
Why choose this apprenticeship?
- Paid work from day one
- Training delivered via block release (3-5 days/month)
- Industry-recognised Level 2 Formwork Apprenticeship Standard & L2 NVQ Formwork included as standard
- Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required)
- Personal development support (money management, online safety and more)
- Expert guidance from experienced tutors and assessors
- Training at The Skills Centre and on-site with your employer
What you'll learn:
Our Groundwork Apprenticeship covers all essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), including:
- Working safely and understanding health, safety and environmental requirements.
- Interpreting drawings, specifications and verbal/written instructions.
- Carrying out safe excavation practices, including locating buried services.
- Installing and testing basic drainage and ducting systems.
- Handling, placing and finishing concrete and mortars.
- Using setting‑out tools such as levels, tapes and laser equipment.
- Preparing and protecting work areas, including temporary works and access equipment.
- Operating and guiding plant/vehicle movements safely.
- Laying kerbs, paviours, flags and hard‑landscaping surfaces.
- Demonstrating effective communication, teamwork and professional behaviour.
What is Off-the-Job Training?
As an apprentice, you'll complete regular 'off-the-job' training at The Skills Centre each month. This includes:
- Practical sessions in our training centres
- Classroom and e-learning modules
- Site-based project work, shadowing and mentoring and other training with your employer
Functional Skills in English and Maths
If you don't already have GCSEs in English and Maths, we'll support your to achieve Functional Skills Level 1 and work towards Level 2 - a valuable took for completing your apprenticeship.
How your apprenticeship is assessed:
To complete your apprenticeship, you'll:
- Build a portfolio of real-world site evidence
- Complete practical and written assessments
- Take part in a structured interview with an independent assessor
- Meet Functional Skills and off-the-job training requirements
Your End Point Assessment (EPA) includes:
- A practical assessment (up to 6 hours)
- A multiple-choice knowledge test
- A structured professional discussion about your work
