Groundworker
Do the foundation, drainage and concrete work that every building starts with.
This UK groundworker career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Work environment
- On-site, hands-on, often outdoors
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required - apprenticeship route
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a Groundworker does
Do the foundation, drainage and concrete work that every building starts with.
- Foundations and Concrete - Pour and form foundations for new builds.
- Drainage - Install storm and foul drainage on sites.
- Kerbing and Paving - Hard-landscape elements on civils projects.
- Reinforced Concrete - Steel-fix and pour reinforced structures.
How to become a Groundworker
- Look up Groundworker roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Groundworker - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Concreting
- Drainage
- Setting out
- Plant tickets
- Physical fitness