At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Groundworker Apprentice, learning hands-on skills in groundwork tasks.
- Company: Solum SW Ltd is a leading provider of groundworks for various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, paid breaks, and a supportive training environment.
- Other info: Work within a 25-mile radius of Bristol and receive regular progress reviews.
- Why this job: Gain practical experience while contributing to exciting projects in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with GCSEs in Maths and English (grade 3-9*).
Solum SW Ltd are delighted to be offering a Groundwork Apprenticeship, looking for 6 Apprentices to join the groundworks team.
Hours: 7.30am – 5.00pm. Days to be confirmed. 2 x half an hour breaks (1 paid). 20 days holiday plus 8 bank and public holidays.
Working hours: 45 hours a week.
Start date: Saturday 1 August 2026.
Duration: 1 year 6 months.
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by gaining hands‑on experience.
What you’ll do at work
Main Duties:
General groundwork duties as required but not limited to:
- Laying drainage
- Kerb laying
- Concreting and laying tarmac
- Safe use of tools, plant and materials having due regards to your own safety
- Wearing PPE
- Maintaining the safety of others in accordance with the HASAWA
- Follow and adhere to company policy and procedures
- Promote and maintain an active approach to health and safety in respect of yourself, colleagues and customers.
Ability to take direction and carry out specific works required, under supervision, to the desired standard of your superiors. A buddy system will be in place to ensure that all basic tasks are understood and completed.
Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to work as a groundsworker. This is because of legal requirements and safety considerations, particularly regarding operating machinery and handling materials on highways.
Where you’ll work
UPPER BUCKOVER FARM
BUCKOVER
WOTTON UNDER EDGE
GL12 8DZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND STROUD COLLEGE
- 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, pavours 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
- Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice will be engaged in various activities to build their portfolio and enhance their skills in the workplace
- The apprentices will be required to attend SGS College, Horizon 38 Campus, Taurus Road, Filton. BS34 6FE
- Practical workshops building on their skills learnt at college and at work, knowledge lessons and complete a portfolio of evidence
- They will also undertake some self‑directed study to further their understanding
- Additionally, the apprentice will have regular progress reviews with their employer and Lecturer Assessor to ensure they are on track
Requirements
GCSE in:
Maths and English (grade 3‑9*)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Customer care skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non‑judgemental
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Must be able to get to and from the place of work in a safe and timely manner, all sites within a 25‑mile radius of Bristol. Having a CSCS card is required to go on site. Applicants must be over 18 to apply as this is a requirement from the employer. Applicants must live within Bristol, or South Gloucestershire area.
About this employer
We supply all the management, engineering, plant, labour and materials for our groundworks, utilising our internal team and strong ties to local suppliers. Every part of the groundworks process falls under our umbrella. We will be the first in, starting with the site preparation and then meeting key dates for drainage, foundations and floor slabbs, wrapping up the external works for clients in the commercial, education, leisure, health and blue light sector.
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025075.
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Groundworker Apprentice employer: Sgscol
Contact Detail:
Sgscol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundworker Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and equipment mentioned in the job description, such as compactor plates and laser equipment. Understanding how these tools work will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company, Solum SW Ltd, and their projects. Knowing about their work in the commercial, education, and health sectors can give you an edge in discussions and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former apprentices from Solum SW Ltd on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even share tips on what the company values in candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of health and safety regulations, as this is a crucial aspect of the role. Being able to articulate your knowledge in this area will show that you take safety seriously and are ready to contribute positively to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundworker Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Groundworker Apprentice position. Familiarise yourself with the tasks involved, such as laying drainage and using tools safely.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work or training related to construction, teamwork, and safety practices.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and explain why you are a good fit. Mention your willingness to learn and any relevant qualifications, like GCSEs in Maths and English.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sgscol
✨Know Your Groundwork Basics
Familiarise yourself with the key tasks involved in groundwork, such as laying drainage and kerb laying. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Since safety is paramount in this job, be prepared to talk about health and safety practices. Mention any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Show Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Be ready to express your interest in gaining new skills and how you plan to make the most of the apprenticeship opportunity.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Having thoughtful questions ready shows your genuine interest in the position. Ask about the training process, team dynamics, or future opportunities within the company to engage the interviewer.