Groundworkers are essential to keeping drainage and construction projects running smoothly here at Lanes. These are the people who prepare excavation sites, install drainage systems and make sure our domestic and commercial projects continue to run smoothly. This is hands-on work, often using the latest cutting and digging gear, and these teams play a bigger role in our company’s success than many people realise.

If you're thinking about applying for a groundworker role, this guide outlines the skills, experience and qualifications that will help you succeed - whether you’re starting out, looking for a change in career or already working in the construction industry.

What does a groundworker do at Lanes?

Groundworkers help prepare sites for all kinds of civil engineering and drainage works. At Lanes, that means working alongside plant operatives, engineers and project managers to deliver tasks like:

• Digging trenches and preparing sub surfaces for drainage systems.
• Laying pipework, hard landscaping and retaining walls.
• Assisting with constructing and repairing roads, footpaths and the foundations of buildings once drainage repair work has been completed.

The work is physical, varied and takes place outdoors in all weathers - so resilience, focus and a strong sense of teamwork are essential.

Entry requirements

To apply for a groundworker job at Lanes, formal qualifications aren’t always necessary, especially if you’ve already worked on a construction site or within on-site construction trades. That said, we’ll always look for individuals who:

• Hold a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card to show basic health and safety knowledge.
• Understand the importance of using personal protective equipment.
• Understand the need for risk assessments and working safely.

For those entering the industry for the first time, it’s a good idea to gain experience via a college or training provider offering courses in construction and civil engineering. This can help you learn about topics like civil engineering operations, excavation support and interpreting design specifications - all of which are useful when working with drainage systems.

Our in-house training provider

Once you're part of the team, we will provide ongoing support through our in-house training provider, with structured pathways to help you move from entry-level to experienced groundworker status.

We provide on-the-job training in the safe use of plant machinery, and support for completing extra training when needed. This might include working towards your end point assessment on an apprenticeship or aiming to develop a career that takes you into a site supervisor or construction manager role.

End point assessment

If you're pursuing an apprenticeship route to become a groundworker, your end point assessment is a major step in achieving your qualification. This assessment checks your ability to work safely and effectively in real-world conditions.

This will include:

• A practical skills test based on tasks such as interpreting design specifications or preparing a construction site.
• A professional discussion with an assessor to talk through your approach to tasks and explain your working knowledge.
• Evidence of completed training and competence in tasks like preparing sub surfaces or assisting in the construction phase of a project.

Once you have completed the assessments successfully, you will be considered site ready and fully competent to work in the field in a full-time groundworker role.

Construction manager roles

Many of our experienced groundworkers move into leadership roles. Becoming a construction manager at Lanes means taking responsibility for entire drainage and construction projects, from the planning stage through to final handover.

To progress into this role, you’ll need to:

• Build a solid understanding of productive working practices, health and safety, and quality standards.
• Gain experience in overseeing excavation, drainage installation and structural work.
• Develop strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to guide and support other construction workers, plant operatives, and subcontractors.

With support from our training team and exposure to real-world projects, you can grow your career from the ground up.

Experienced groundworker roles

If you’ve already spent time in the construction and civil engineering sector, Lanes offers the opportunity to build on that foundation and progress into a more defined role. As an experienced groundworker here, you’ll take on responsibilities such as:

• Collaborating with engineers, drainage teams and project managers.
• Setting out work, interpreting design specifications, and contributing to the layout of foundations, pipework and hard landscaping.
• Offering mentorship and informal support to junior colleagues, helping to develop their understanding of daily tasks and safety practices.

Applicants often join us having worked for small subcontractors, construction companies or on general building sites. We will take your existing experience and skills, and offer you further training and a route into a potential leadership position.

Use our free CV template for manual workers

If you’re ready to update your CV and start applying for our groundworker roles in your local area, why not use our free CV template? It's designed for engineering and groundworker roles. Simply download the file, replace the existing text with your own personal information and work history, and you're ready to go.

Apply for a groundworker job at Lanes

If you’re ready to get involved in drainage and construction work that makes a difference, groundworker roles at Lanes Group offer a solid place to start.

You’ll be joining a company that invests in its people, works to high health and safety standards, and values teamwork across every project. Explore our vacancies today.

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