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Construction labourer

Alternative titles for this job include Construction operative, groundworker

Construction labourers support tradespeople on building sites by digging trenches, mixing mortar and concrete, and operating machinery.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course in construction skills or construction operations.

Courses like these may help you when applying for jobs.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a construction firm. 

Apprenticeship examples include:

  • groundworker
  • construction plant operative
  • piling attendant
  • road surfacing operative

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set requirements but it may help if you have:

  • construction site experience
  • knowledge of building materials
  • experience in a builder's merchants or yard

You may need your own safety boots, hard hat and hi-viz top, though some employers will supply these.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about working in construction from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

Some jobs involve operating plant machinery, like excavators or dumper trucks. To do this, you'll need to be 18 or over and have a driving licence.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a construction labourer, you could:

  • mark out and dig trenches for foundations and drains
  • put up formwork panels to hold setting concrete in place
  • fix steel bars to reinforce concrete structures
  • build retaining walls with panels to allow excavations - steel piling
  • lay concrete for foundations, floors and beams
  • build or resurface roads, and lay kerbs and paving
  • use machinery to lift and move building materials around a site
  • keep tradespeople supplied with bricks, mortar and timber

Working environment

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could train on the job to be a qualified tradesperson or plant operator. You could also work in demolition or road resurfacing.

With experience, you could become a team leader or construction site supervisor.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Groundworker

  • Wage: £16,640 a year Annually
  • Location: Bluebridge Industrial Estate, Halstead

Groundworker Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: EX9 7BY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Construction Operations Skills Bootcamp

  • Provider: NORTH EAST MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
  • Start date: 08 July 2025
  • Location: Gateshead

Skills Bootcamp in Construction

  • Provider: HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 03 November 2025
  • Location: TADLEY
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

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