Groundworks – Kensington & Chelsea

Here’s a video taster of life as a Groundworker

Job Description

To be a groundworker, you will need a good level of fitness, a basic knowledge of building methods and an understanding of the materials used in construction. At the start of a job, you will help to prepare the site, unload and store building materials and once the work gets underway, further duties could include:

• Ground working – marking out and digging shallow trenches for foundations
• Form working – putting up or dismantling the shuttering that holds the concrete in place
• Steel fixing – bending and fixing the bars used to reinforce concrete structures
• Steel piling – fixing steel sheets together to form temporary retaining walls for excavation work
• Concreting – layering and smoothing concrete for foundations, floors and beams
• Road working – concreting, laying kerbs, paving and re-surfacing

Typical Working Week

You will work on site for four days per week and attend college for one day a week. Most site hours are Monday to Friday, 08.00-17.00.

Person Specification

• Punctual
• Positive attitude to work and colleagues
• Practical ability and awareness of working safely
• A good head for heights and sense of balance
• Self-motivation and desire to learn
• Is both resilient and committed
• Good co-ordination skills and a methodical approach
• Is always looking to improve
• Enjoys being a team player

Career Progression

On completion of NVQ L2 in Groundworks you will gain your blue trade specific CSCS card which enables you to work as a qualified Groundworker. There are also opportunities to progress into plant operations or into site supervisory or management roles.

Key Training/College Information

K10 will enrol and fund your qualifications through a SFA funded training provider. It is likely to take 12-24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

Qualifications required

Applicants need to have at least an Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or GCSE grade D (3) or above in English and Maths.

Desirable

The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified construction operative. It would be advantageous if you have any construction based qualifications, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.