Groundworker

Groundworkers and plant operators prepare a site prior to and during the building process. They ensure that the infrastructure to a building site is completed. Groundworkers ensure that every plot and dwelling on a development has adequate foundations, drainage, water and electrical connections. The team will also work on driveways, paths, roads and public open spaces on a development.

• Excavating and building the foundations. 
• Controlling dumper trucks, mobile elevated work platforms, cranes, compactors, excavators. 
• Moving waste with machines
• Redirecting waterways 
• Installing services and drainage to houses 
• Concreting site areas and laying kerbs, flagstones and constructing roads.

• Newly trained groundworkers/plant operators can earn in the region of £20,000-£23,000. 
• Trained with experience groundworkers/plant operators can earn in the region of £26,000-48,000. 
• Specialist plant groundworkers/ operators can earn in the region of £62,000-80,000.

^*Pay rates
Earnings typically depend on location, employer, the stage of your training, your hours worked and the opportunity to work overtime. Please also note that the pay rate figures have come from a variety of reliable sources including:

• National Home Builders
• Home Builder's Sub-Contractors
• CITB
• The Home Builders Federation
• Construction Recruitment Agencies

• Apprenticeship in Groundworks which currently includes a Diploma and NVQ at Level 2 (Or Scottish Equivalent)

The type of job role can differ depending on the employer and the activities involved. Some roles such as trade roles have the opportunity to be self-employed. Often employers offer a variety of employment status and flexibility. The jobs outlined in this website are common across the home building industry, but the job titles may differ from one organisation to another.

All our featured job roles offer different entry-points for school leavers, college leavers, and graduates to commence a career in the industry. There are opportunities to enrol on apprenticeships and other career progression routes.

For most jobs, depending on your qualifications and experience there are also openings for those looking to change career.