Groundworker
Be the first tradesperson on-site as you prepare the ground and help lay the foundations for new buildings.
Also known as: formworker
About the job
What it's like
Groundworkers are among the first people to arrive on a construction site – and often the last to leave once the job is complete.
You’ll be involved at every stage – getting the site ready, supporting the build and helping to wrap up the project. First, you’ll set out and prepare the sub-surfaces before the structural work kicks off.
During the project, groundworkers have a range of jobs. For example, you may pour and finish concrete, build manholes for drainage systems or lay kerbs. On some sites, you may even operate diggers or other types of machinery.
As a groundworker, you’ll be on hand to add the finishing touches. You might lay driveways and footpaths, among other things, that really spark life into a construction project.
Your tasks might include:
preparing and clearing the ground – this could include levelling, removing debris and digging trenches for foundations
setting up a site before the project begins – this may involve putting up barriers, huts for the workers and safety signs
backfilling and compacting soil around foundations or drainage trenches
helping other construction professionals as they dig out the site and interpret drawings or specifications
redirecting waterways and connecting pipes with existing pipework
adding concrete to sites and doing final jobs like laying pavements, kerbs and driveways
Green job
In this role, you could do work that helps the environment. You might:
help install sustainable drainage systems – these could be soakaways, permeable paving or rainwater harvesting features
separate waste materials like soil, rubble or concrete so they can be reused in backfilling or landscaping
work on wind farms or other sustainable construction initiatives
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Go Construct – discover more information about groundworker careers
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Groundworker'
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- observation
- reliable
- problem solving
- resilience
- cooperating
- attention to detail
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Construction Craft
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English
You don’t need any formal qualifications to become a groundworker.
But there are several routes you can take to get started in this career.
College
Getting qualifications at college – such as an HNC, HND, NPA or NC – could help you find a job. Useful subjects include:
Construction
Building Crafts
Built Environment
Civil Engineering
Construction Management
Use the My World of Work course search to see what’s available.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in one of these areas:
Work
Work experience counts for a lot with employers in the construction industry.
To apply for groundworker jobs, you could take part in construction projects at school or gain experience by helping a local construction company in your spare time.
Use the My World of Work job search to find groundworker vacancies.
Trainee roles
Do you have some relevant construction experience, like working as a labourer? If so, you could apply directly for trainee groundworker vacancies with an employer.
A trainee role allows you to develop your skills. Once you’ve built some experience, an employer may help you train to become an experienced or senior groundworker.
Construction-based volunteering is a valuable way to build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a groundworker. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
For some jobs, you may need to have a full UK driving licence so you can travel between sites.
To work on a construction site, you must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
You'll need to pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
There’s no age restriction to become a groundworker but you’ll need to be aged 18 or older to operate machinery.
You may need a driving licence if your role involves driving site vans or plant equipment.
Find the right course for you
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