We rarely stop to think about the roads we use or the drainage systems under our feet that prevent flooding. Yet none of this infrastructure would work if it wasn't for the dedicated teams working behind the scenes to carry out repairs. This crucial work is the domain of the groundworker, the unsung hero of the drainage industry. They are often the first to arrive on any site, and the last to leave, and their role is absolutely critical to the success of any drainage project.

In this blog, the team at Lanes take a closer look at the role our groundworkers play across the UK, the skills and attributes that make someone great in the job, and how you can build a rewarding career in this area.

What Is a Typical Groundworker Job Description?

It’s no exaggeration to say that no two days are ever the same for a groundworker at Lanes. As the backbone of the on-site team, our groundworkers handle the essential preparatory tasks that allow our drainage specialists to operate safely and effectively. Those who join us at Lanes will themselves travelling across your region, supporting major utility or infrastructure projects, repairing private homes after drainage work has been completed, or assisting with a wide range of jobs that keep local communities moving.

Key duties include:

• Site preparation and clearance: before any drainage work can begin, the site must be prepared. This involves clearing vegetation, debris, and topsoil, levelling the ground, and setting up the site with barriers, safety signs and temporary facilities.
• Excavation: a core part of the groundworker’s job is excavation. This means digging trenches for utilities, and often involves operating powerful plant machinery to get the job done efficiently.
• Drainage systems: a crucial responsibility is installing drainage systems. This includes laying pipes and connecting them to existing pipework networks to manage water flow, preventing future damage and erosion around roads and buildings.
• Concreting: groundworkers prepare areas for concreting by laying sub-bases and reinforcement before the concrete is poured.
• Paving and kerbing: in the final tasks of a project, groundworkers contribute to the finished look of a project site by laying driveways, paths and road surfaces.
• Interpreting technical plans: groundworkers must be skilled at interpreting design specifications and technical drawings to ensure all work is carried out with precision.

The Essential Skills of a Great Groundworker

To succeed in this demanding role within the drainage industry, a groundworker needs a unique blend of physical and technical skills. It's a career that rewards hard work, precision and the ability to collaborate.

• Physical fitness: the job is physically demanding and involves working outdoors in all weather conditions. A good level of physical fitness is essential.
• Technical knowledge: a good understanding of excavation, foundations and drainage is crucial. The ability to operate plant machinery is also a highly valued skill.
• Attention to detail: precision is key. From setting out a site to finishing concrete, every measurement and level must be exact.
• Health and safety focus: a construction site can be a hazardous environment. A deep commitment to health and safety procedures is non-negotiable.
• Teamwork: groundworkers rarely work alone. They are part of a larger construction team and must be able to follow instructions and work effectively with other construction professionals.
• Problem-solving: unexpected issues can arise on any construction project. Good problem-solving skills are needed to address challenges on the spot.

How to Become a Groundworker

There are several accessible pathways to becoming a groundworker, making it a fantastic way to enter the construction industry. While there are no strict legal entry requirements, most employers will look for specific qualifications and certifications:

Apprenticeships

A Level 2 groundworker apprenticeship is an excellent route into the profession. It combines paid, on-the-job training with classroom-based learning, leading to a recognised qualification equivalent to five GCSE passes. This is a brilliant way to gain experience while you earn.

College courses and qualifications

College groundwork courses such as a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or a Level 2 Diploma in Groundworks provide a solid theoretical foundation in this area of work.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme card

To work on almost any construction site in the UK, you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card.

• Green labourer card: this is the entry-level card. To get it, you need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test and complete a basic health and safety awareness course.
• Blue skilled worker card: to progress, you can aim for the Blue Card, which demonstrates your competence. This requires you to have completed a relevant Level 2 NVQ.

Many people start as labourers on a construction site to gain experience before completing extra training to become a groundworker.

Career Progression and Opportunities

Many who join us as groundworkers here at Lanes go on to rewarding careers in the drainage industry. We are passionate about developing our people, and showing that this line of work offers far more variety and opportunity than most people expect.

As you gain experience, develop new skills and build confidence across different sites, there are plenty of ways to move into more advanced or specialist positions across our operational teams. This is a great way to achieve a higher earning potential and the chance to take on more technical work. Common routes include:

• Plant operator: training to operate machinery such as the excavators, dumpers or trenching equipment used on drainage projects.
• Deep drainage: developing the skills needed to install or repair deeper, more complex drainage systems.
• Concreting: focusing on reinstatement and concrete finishing after drainage repairs, helping restore surfaces safely and to a high standard.
• Supervisory and management roles: a natural path for an experienced groundworker is to move into a leadership position.

Is a Groundworker Job a Good Career Choice?

A career as a groundworker offers a fantastic combination of job stability, earning potential and varied, hands-on work. It’s an essential role that will always be in demand.

The work is tangible and satisfying; you can stand back at the end of a project and see the direct results of your hard work. You are a vital part of a team, working together to create something lasting. For those who enjoy physical work and being outdoors, it provides a healthy and active career away from a desk. The industry is also becoming more diverse, and at Lanes Group, we are committed to building an inclusive workforce and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. The skills you learn as a groundworker are highly transferable across the entire construction sector, opening up a world of opportunities.

For these reasons, groundworking is a great career choice for those who like to be outside, can work with their hands and enjoy being part of a supportive team.

Build Your Career on Solid Ground with Lanes Group

The role of a groundworker is fundamental to the success of every construction project. They are the skilled professionals who create the safe and stable base upon which our buildings and infrastructure are built. From site clearance and digging trenches to installing complex drainage systems, their work is diverse, challenging and incredibly rewarding.

If you’re looking for a hands-on career with excellent earning potential and clear opportunities for career progression, learning how to become a groundworker could be the perfect move for you. Explore our open groundworker roles today. Looking to make the process more straightforward? Download our free CV template and apply today.

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