How to become a groundworker

Why should you start a groundworker career?

When considering your options for a career in construction, your first thought might be to become a bricklayer or a builder. However, there are other jobs/roles in the construction industry, including being a groundworker.

For people just starting out, or looking at learning a new trade, ground-working could be a less familiar role. You might not know where to begin training if you’re wondering how to become a groundworker.

Keep reading for the breakdown of everything you need to know about being a groundworker. Including what they do and the available groundwork courses.

What does a groundworker do?

A groundworker helps prepare the ground of a construction site so that work can begin. Their role includes making sure that all areas of the site are level and prepared for the project ahead.

Groundworkers are multi-skilled construction professionals. They can handle:

• Site drainage
• Foundation laying
• Sub-surface stabilising
• Anything else related to ground preparation

This in turn provides those in this role with a very varied work environment. One day you might be flatting the site’s mounds. Next, you could be replanting bushes and trees. The job is often incredibly varied.

What work is covered by a groundworker job description?

As a groundworker, you’ll likely find that every project is different. This means you could be doing any number of things each day.

A typical groundworker job description could include the following tasks:

• Clearing a construction site before work begins
• Removing site vegetation
• Sorting and laying site drainage
• Laying site foundations
• Constructing driveways
• Laying down footpaths
• Attending to concrete and curb laying
• Setting up and taking down the construction site before and after a project
• Operating plant machinery for excavation
• Planting new vegetation
• Adding the finishing touches to any ground surfaces

However, there are often other tasks that will need to be carried out before, during and after a project.

What skills are needed to become a groundwork?

Similarly to other construction roles, groundworkers need a broad range of skills to be successful in their job.

For a groundworker, this might include the following skill sets outlined below:

• Good problem-solving skills
• A high degree of physical fitness
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Basic numeracy skills for precision measuring
• The ability to understand construction blueprints
• Safety awareness before and as you’re performing a job
• Excellent critical thinking skills so you can overcome project obstacles

Like with all construction jobs, groundworkers have to be fully aware of their surroundings, as there can often be a number of hazards on site.

Having a variety of skills and the relevant qualifications can lead to a very rewarding groundwork career for anyone that chooses this path.

What groundworker qualifications are available?

Like many trades, there are several different groundworker qualifications that can be gained.

These can be acquired via college or an apprenticeship. But in most cases, people looking to get into this trade will take both routes.

Either way, you could look for availability on the following courses:

• A Level 1 Certificate in Groundworks or Construction Skills
• A Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Groundwork and General Construction

Besides these, you’ll also need the various training required to operate plant machinery safely. You can look to acquire these independently or through a future employer. However, if you’re an apprentice, you will likely gain these as you progress.

On top of these, you’ll also need to invest in what’s known as a CSCS card. These are a great way to show your competency and adherence to the strict guidelines required by the current building regulations.

Do you need qualifications to become a groundworker?

No, it is not a legal requirement for you to have official qualifications to become a groundworker. However, it is a legal requirement for you to be trained and qualified to operate any plant machinery you might use.

Construction sites can be dangerous places, and correct safety and training is paramount to avoid injuries. It’s the same reason why having the correct construction PPE is so important. As well as getting a good understanding of site safety.

Not only that, but the odds of getting a ground working role will be lower if you’re not trained. Training shows you’re qualified and know what you’re talking about. Making you a much more enticing candidate to potential employers.

FAQs

How long does it take to become a groundworker?

In most cases, a trainee groundworker can expect to become qualified in 3 to 4 months. This will depend on the course in question, and some apprenticeships may be quicker. However, you will need to put aside additional time to gain your plant machinery qualifications.

How do I get more experience as a groundworker?

It can be tricky to find experience as a groundworker, however, it may be possible to do ground working as part of another construction role.

One of the best ways to gain experience will be through the appropriate apprenticeship course. These courses let you learn as you work, ensuring you have the necessary skills to prepare for success.

Where should you apply for groundwork jobs?

Being such an essential trade, you won’t be hard-pressed to find groundworker jobs online or locally. There are many job sites out there, all of which are likely to advertise groundwork roles. Though it never hurts to inquire locally as well.