Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn groundworks on-site, including drainage, foundations, and road construction.
- Company: Join MDS Civil Engineering, specialists in groundwork and civil engineering.
- Benefits: Earn £9.00 per hour with potential for growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience while studying for a Level 2 Apprenticeship.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn and work hard.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weather, with potential for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
To learn all aspects of groundworks whilst working onsite with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, and construction of driveways.
Training course: Groundworker (level 2).
Salary and hours:
- Starting salary based on £9.00 per hour for this September's intake; this may be negotiable depending on age and previous experience in construction.
- Hours: Monday to Friday shifts to be confirmed from 7:30am - 5:00pm and 7:30am - 1:00pm on Saturday if work is available. Hours over 40 per week will only be available to those 18+.
- Breaks: 10:00am - 10:20am and 1:00pm - 1:30pm.
- Duration: 1 year 6 months.
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:
- As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute.
- Groundworkers prepare a construction site for the shallow foundation of a new home/building.
- Removing sewage, redirecting waterways by flow or pumping, concreting the proposed site and laying both kerbs and flagstones.
- To work on-site learning and assisting experienced groundworkers.
- Duties will vary depending on what works are being carried out on site.
Training:
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
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.
Requirements:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills:
- Physical fitness
- Hardworking
- Willing to Learn
Other requirements:
The role is working outside and will involve working in all weathers.
About this employer: MDS Civil Engineering Ltd. Specialists in Groundwork and Civil Engineering, Housing, Commercial and Infrastructure.
We always try to promote from within wherever possible, so, for a hardworking individual who works to a high standard, there may be future opportunities to progress within the company once the apprenticeship is completed.
The contact for this apprenticeship is: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE. The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000009510.
Apply now. Closes on Friday 15 May 2026.
Apprentice Groundworker in Colchester employer: Colchester Institute Enterprises Limited
Contact Detail:
Colchester Institute Enterprises Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Groundworker in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on MDS Civil Engineering Ltd. Understand their projects and values. This will help you connect with them during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and willingness to learn make you a great fit for the Groundworker role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a groundworks role, showing up looking smart and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to Nicky Collins. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Groundworker in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for groundworks shine through! We want to see that you're excited about learning and getting hands-on experience. A bit of personality can go a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have. If you've done any related work or have qualifications, mention them! We love seeing how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Institute Enterprises Limited
✨Know Your Groundwork Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of groundwork. Familiarise yourself with terms like drainage, foundations, and kerb laying. This will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
Emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow in the field. Share examples of how you've approached learning new skills in the past, whether through school projects or personal interests. This is crucial for an apprenticeship role where training is a big part of the job.
✨Dress for the Job
Even though this is a hands-on role, make sure to dress smartly for the interview. Opt for practical yet tidy clothing that reflects your understanding of the industry. It shows respect for the opportunity and gives a good first impression.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or what a typical day looks like for a groundworker. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
