Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship
Subject Area
Construction & Construction Trades
Student Type
Students aged 16-18 | Adults
Study Mode
Part Time
Course Type
Apprenticeship
What is the course about?
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.
Why should I choose the course?
You should choose this apprenticeship if you like the sound of:
- Gaining hands-on experience, with practical, on-the-job training that’s highly valued in the construction industry.
- Earning while learning, as you receive a wage throughout your apprenticeship.
- Working in a high-demand industry, with strong job security and opportunities for career progression.
- Specialising in specific areas, such as excavation, concreting, or utility installation.
- Achieving further qualifications, which can help boost your career prospects.
- Progressing into supervisory roles, managing teams, and overseeing projects.
- Becoming self-employed, with the potential to run your own business as a contractor.
What will I learn?
You’ll gain essential knowledge of construction methods, including the differences between modern and traditional techniques. You’ll learn how to work safely across various environments—such as civil engineering, residential, and commercial sites—while understanding the environmental and physical factors that affect construction work.
The course covers key practical skills, from handling and moving loads (manually and with mechanical aids) to guiding vehicles and machinery using signals and communication equipment. You’ll also learn to use health and safety equipment, work in confined spaces, and safely erect and dismantle access platforms.
Hands-on training includes locating and excavating utility services, installing drainage and ducting systems, stabilising soil with geo membranes, and working with mortar and concrete. You’ll also cover temporary works, reinstating excavations, and installing street ironwork to industry standards.
How is the apprenticeship delivered?
Apprentices will attend college one day per week for one academic year and complete the remaining training on site.
What will the course lead on to?
This course can lead to further progression into a specific level 3 trade area, or alternatively, a higher apprenticeship in construction or civil engineering.
Are there any links with industry and university?
Warrington & Vale Royal College has a long history of delivering bespoke, high-quality apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors. We take pride in our apprentices and ensure they leave us with the skills they need to forge a career in their chosen industry. We work with all manner of employers to ensure all parties’ interests are met throughout the apprenticeship journey. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship matching service which matches your skills to a suitable apprenticeship employer.
What support is available?
You will be allocated a designated apprentice coach to guide you through your apprenticeship. We also have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a welfare team that are on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed.
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
We are one of the top-performing further education colleges for apprenticeships. Over nine in ten of our apprentices continue in employment or receive a promotion once they have completed their apprenticeship. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship matching service which matches your skills to a suitable apprenticeship employer. The college is dedicated to supporting you on-programme and helping you progress on to the next step.
What are the entry requirements?
To enrol on this apprenticeship, you’ll need:
- GCSE grades 9–4 in English and maths, or
- A Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and maths
We may consider applicants who need to resit either English or maths, but not both. If you need to resit both subjects, you won’t meet the entry requirements for this programme.
If you're required to resit one subject, you'll be invited to complete an initial assessment. If successful, you must be willing to achieve your Level 2 English or maths qualification before completing the apprenticeship.
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