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School Leavers > Construction

Groundworks Diploma – Level 1

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Courses Code
QF1COGW
Study method
Full Time
Location(s)
TORC
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  • Is this course for you?

    This course is ideal for learners who want to start a practical career in construction, specifically within groundworks and civil engineering. It is suited to those who enjoy hands‑on learning, working outdoors and being part of a construction team delivering essential groundwork activities that form the foundation of building and infrastructure projects.

    You do not need prior construction experience, just a positive attitude, willingness to learn and an interest in working on site. The course is designed to introduce you to the groundworks trade, developing basic technical skills while helping you understand how construction sites operate safely and efficiently.

    Throughout the programme, you will work in realistic workshop and outdoor environments, learning through practical tasks that reflect real industry activities. You will also develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping and problem‑solving, alongside a strong focus on health and safety.

    This course provides an excellent entry point into the construction industry and offers clear progression routes into further training, apprenticeships or employment within groundworks and related trades.

  • Required qualifications

    You will normally need GCSE Grade 2 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 1. There are no additional formal qualification requirements, making this course suitable for school leavers or learners who are new to construction and want to develop core practical groundworks skills.

    All applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an initial assessment to discuss their interests, motivation and suitability for the programme. A commitment to practical learning, good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to health and safety are essential.

    Learners with additional learning or support needs will be fully supported, with individual learning plans put in place where required to help them achieve and progress successfully on the course.

  • What skills will I develop?

    During the course, you will develop an introduction to a wide range of essential groundworks skills. These include setting out basic construction work, installing drainage components, preparing groundworks for concrete and foundations, and carrying out basic brickwork tasks. You will also develop practical skills in slabbing and block paving, helping you understand common tasks carried out on construction sites. Training will cover the safe and effective use of hand tools and small plant equipment in line with industry expectations.

    Alongside practical skills, you will gain essential underpinning knowledge, including maintaining health and safety on construction sites, applying correct manual handling techniques and following safe working practices. You will learn how to interpret simple drawings and site instructions and work effectively as part of a construction team.

    The course is designed to build confidence, practical competence and a clear understanding of how groundworks activities fit within the wider construction industry.

  • Careers

    On successful completion of the Level 1 Groundworks course, you can progress to:

    • A Level 2 qualification in groundworks or construction
    • A groundworks or construction apprenticeship
    • Entry‑level employment as a groundworker’s labourer

    Groundworks skills are in high demand across civil engineering, housing, highways and infrastructure projects. This course provides a strong foundation for long‑term progression within the construction industry.

  • Work experience

    Work experience is a key part of the full‑time study programme. You will be supported to complete meaningful work experience with local construction and groundworks employers where possible. This allows you to apply your skills in real work environments, gain confidence on site and develop employability skills.

    The college’s work experience team will support you with placements and preparation, helping you understand employer expectations.

  • English and maths

    English and maths are vital skills within construction, particularly for understanding instructions, site documentation and measurements. If you have not yet achieved GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English and/or maths, you will study these subjects alongside your vocational course.

    Lessons are designed to support your progression and are linked wherever possible to construction‑related tasks, helping you build confidence and essential skills for work and further study.

  • Other important information

    You will be required to wear appropriate PPE and work clothing, which will be discussed at enrolment. Learners are expected to demonstrate good attendance, punctuality and behaviour at all times.

    Assessment is based on practical tasks, observations and assignments in line with City & Guilds requirements. Ongoing support is available throughout the programme to help you progress, develop confidence and prepare for your next steps in construction.

  • Is this course for you?

    This course is ideal for learners who want to start a practical career in construction, specifically within groundworks and civil engineering. It is suited to those who enjoy hands‑on learning, working outdoors and being part of a construction team delivering essential groundwork activities that form the foundation of building and infrastructure projects.

    You do not need prior construction experience, just a positive attitude, willingness to learn and an interest in working on site. The course is designed to introduce you to the groundworks trade, developing basic technical skills while helping you understand how construction sites operate safely and efficiently.

    Throughout the programme, you will work in realistic workshop and outdoor environments, learning through practical tasks that reflect real industry activities. You will also develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping and problem‑solving, alongside a strong focus on health and safety.

    This course provides an excellent entry point into the construction industry and offers clear progression routes into further training, apprenticeships or employment within groundworks and related trades.

  • Required qualifications

    You will normally need GCSE Grade 2 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 1. There are no additional formal qualification requirements, making this course suitable for school leavers or learners who are new to construction and want to develop core practical groundworks skills.

    All applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an initial assessment to discuss their interests, motivation and suitability for the programme. A commitment to practical learning, good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to health and safety are essential.

    Learners with additional learning or support needs will be fully supported, with individual learning plans put in place where required to help them achieve and progress successfully on the course.

  • What skills will I develop?

    During the course, you will develop an introduction to a wide range of essential groundworks skills. These include setting out basic construction work, installing drainage components, preparing groundworks for concrete and foundations, and carrying out basic brickwork tasks. You will also develop practical skills in slabbing and block paving, helping you understand common tasks carried out on construction sites. Training will cover the safe and effective use of hand tools and small plant equipment in line with industry expectations.

    Alongside practical skills, you will gain essential underpinning knowledge, including maintaining health and safety on construction sites, applying correct manual handling techniques and following safe working practices. You will learn how to interpret simple drawings and site instructions and work effectively as part of a construction team.

    The course is designed to build confidence, practical competence and a clear understanding of how groundworks activities fit within the wider construction industry.

  • Careers

    On successful completion of the Level 1 Groundworks course, you can progress to:

    • A Level 2 qualification in groundworks or construction
    • A groundworks or construction apprenticeship
    • Entry‑level employment as a groundworker’s labourer

    Groundworks skills are in high demand across civil engineering, housing, highways and infrastructure projects. This course provides a strong foundation for long‑term progression within the construction industry.

  • Work experience

    Work experience is a key part of the full‑time study programme. You will be supported to complete meaningful work experience with local construction and groundworks employers where possible. This allows you to apply your skills in real work environments, gain confidence on site and develop employability skills.

    The college’s work experience team will support you with placements and preparation, helping you understand employer expectations.

  • English and maths

    English and maths are vital skills within construction, particularly for understanding instructions, site documentation and measurements. If you have not yet achieved GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English and/or maths, you will study these subjects alongside your vocational course.

    Lessons are designed to support your progression and are linked wherever possible to construction‑related tasks, helping you build confidence and essential skills for work and further study.

  • Other important information

    You will be required to wear appropriate PPE and work clothing, which will be discussed at enrolment. Learners are expected to demonstrate good attendance, punctuality and behaviour at all times.

    Assessment is based on practical tasks, observations and assignments in line with City & Guilds requirements. Ongoing support is available throughout the programme to help you progress, develop confidence and prepare for your next steps in construction.

Apply for a course

  • Ground Work Construction Skills Diploma Level 1 (LF)

    TORC

    Start Date: September

    Code: QMF1COGW

    Full Time: 35 Weeks

    Day(s): Usually 3-4 days per week

    Apply
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