Groundworker

A Groundworker is one of the first people to start work on a building site. They help get the ground ready before anything else can be built. This might mean digging holes and trenches, laying pipes for drains and water, or making sure the ground is flat and strong enough for buildings or roads to go on top. Without groundworkers, builders couldn’t start building!

What tools do you use to do your job?

Groundworkers use all sorts of tools, including:

• Shovels and spades – for digging.
• Rakes and tampers – for smoothing and flattening the ground.
• Laser levels and tape measures – to make sure everything is straight and the right size.
• Pipes and connectors – to build drains and sewers.
• Excavators and diggers – big machines that help move earth quickly.

They also wear safety gear like helmets, gloves, boots, and high-visibility jackets to stay safe.

What makes a good Groundworker?

A good groundworker is:

• Strong and active – because the job can be hard work.
• Careful and safe – to protect themselves and others.
• A good team player – because they work closely with others.
• Good at solving problems – especially when the ground doesn’t quite go to plan!

What do you do each day?

Each day can be a little different, but here’s what a groundworker might do:

• Check the site and plan what needs to be done.
• Mark out where trenches or foundations will go.
• Dig trenches for pipes or cables.
• Lay drainage pipes and connect them properly.
• Pour concrete to make strong foundations.
• Clear up and make sure everything is tidy and safe at the end of the day.