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- Tasks: Join us as a Groundworker Apprentice, gaining hands-on experience in construction tasks.
- Company: MJL Group is a leading contractor in Cornwall and Devon, focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ15,704 in your first year with potential increases; enjoy flexible hours and training opportunities.
- Why this job: This role offers practical skills, a supportive team culture, and a pathway to career advancement.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths (grade D/3) required; physical fitness and flexibility for travel are essential.
- Other info: Weekly attendance at Cornwall College Camborne for training is mandatory.
The predicted salary is between 13000 - 16000 ÂŁ per year.
Closes in 14 days (Monday 16 February 2026 at 11:59pm)
MJL Group are offering an exciting opportunity to join their team as a Groundworker Apprentice. Their sites are based in Cornwall with current vacancies in Helston, Falmouth and Newquay. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the industry and develop new skills.
Wage: ÂŁ15,704 for your first year, then may increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices applies.
Hours: Apprentice will work weekdays, Monday – Friday (with one day at college) per week. Site work begins at 8 AM and finishes at 4 PM, but this may change based on the discretion of individual site foremen and discussions held. 40 hours a week.
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
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Excavation and Digging: Assist in digging trenches, foundations and other excavations for various construction projects.
- Site Preparation: Help prepare and clear construction sites by removing debris, vegetation, or any obstructions that may hinder the building process.
- Laying Foundations: Assist with the installation of foundations, concrete slabs and other structural groundwork components.
- Drainage Installation: Support the installation of drainage systems, including trenches for pipes and related tasks.
- Concrete Work: Assist in mixing, pouring and finishing concrete for footings, floors and other construction elements.
- Paving and Roadwork: Help lay paving stones, flags, or other materials for driveways, paths, roads and other external surfaces.
- Levelling and Surface Preparation: Use levelling tools and other equipment to ensure surfaces are even and properly prepared for construction.
- Site Safety: Follow all health and safety guidelines on‑site, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and the team.
- Adhering to H&S.
- Material Handling: Help load and unload materials.
- Tool Operation and Maintenance: Learn to operate and maintain various construction tools and equipment, such as diggers, mixers and compactors.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with senior groundworkers and construction teams, taking instruction and assisting with tasks as required.
- Cleaning and Tidying: Keep the work area clean and organised, removing waste materials and ensuring tools are properly stored.
- Observing and learning how to pour concrete inside the installed framework.
- Observing and learning how to set out foundations.
- Learning how to set out drainage.
- Learning how to read site drawings.
Where you\’ll work
You may select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Falmouth, TR11 4QJ
- Helston, TR13 8BN
- Newquay, TR8 4GA
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 organisational policies and current health, safety and welfare legislation.
- Conform to 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.
- Gauge and mix mortars and concrete by hand and by mixer.
- Select and use basic setting‑out equipment under supervisor guidance.
- Install, maintain and remove temporary protection and safety arrangements for the work area.
- Install and test basic drainage and ducting.
- Measure, mark, cut and install geo‑membranes to stabilise soil for re‑insertion and excavations.
- Transport and place, then compact and finish concrete to slabs, bases, footing oversights, paths and form‑slab edgings.
- Set out and lay flags, pavements 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.
- You will be working towards a Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship standard. If your English and maths aren’t at GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent, you may also need to undertake Level 2 Functional Skills.
- You will receive support from an assessor and an apprenticeship advisor.
- You will be required to attend Cornwall College Camborne on a weekly basis.
Requirements
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Other requirements
Enjoying the outdoors is naturally helpful as you will be required to work in most weather conditions.
Applicants will be happy to work with their hands and be involved in a range of different tasks.
You may need to car‑pool with a member of the site team, or make your own way to sites. This will need to be discussed with the individual site foreman / project manager. All sites have parking available, and are free for staff.
About this employer
MJL Group Ltd consists of three major branches: MJL Plant Hire, MJL Homes and MJL Contractors Ltd. The company has grown to cover the entire southwest from Dorset to Cornwall and has more than 500 employees across offices in Scorrier and Exeter. The apprenticeship programme focuses on internal growth, training, and modern H&S techniques.
After completing the apprenticeship, depending on the quality of your work, you will be offered a full‑time position at MJL, with potential progression to Office‑based roles such as trainee estimator, trainee QS, and Quantity Surveyor.
Contact: Cornwall College
Reference code: VAC2000010592
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Monday 16 February 2026 at 11:59pm)
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Ground Worker Apprentice employer: The Cornwall College Group
Contact Detail:
The Cornwall College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ground Worker Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Research MJL Group and their projects in Cornwall and Devon. Understanding their work culture and recent projects can help you tailor your conversation during the interview, showing your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices from MJL Group. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on what to highlight during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your physical fitness and any relevant experience you have. Since the role involves manual labour, demonstrating your readiness for the physical demands of the job will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with basic construction terminology and tools. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the equipment and processes used in groundwork will impress your interviewers and show your commitment to learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Ground Worker Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Ground Worker Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences or interests that align with these duties.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your education, any relevant work experience, and skills. Highlight any physical fitness or teamwork experiences, as these are important for this role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and explain why you want to work with MJL Group. Mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you, such as their focus on training and internal growth.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the construction industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cornwall College Group
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about MJL Group. Understand their values, projects, and what sets them apart in the industry. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss why you want to pursue a career in groundworks and how you plan to develop your skills during the apprenticeship.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Groundworking often involves working closely with others. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with a team, highlighting your ability to follow instructions and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship, training opportunities, or the company culture to show your engagement and interest.
