Apprentice Civil Operative

M Group Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to delivering essential infrastructure services. This exciting 18-month apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop practical, technical, and soft skills while prioritizing health and safety. You'll gain a Groundworker Level 2 qualification and enjoy a supportive environment that values growth and development. With a commitment to sustainability and community, this role is perfect for those passionate about making a positive impact in the industry. Enjoy competitive benefits and a chance to thrive in a collaborative team.

Benefits

Matched or contributory pension scheme

24/7 online GP service

Employee assistance program

Access to retail discounts

Life assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced maternity leave

Personal Accident Cover

Health Care Cash Plan

Reward and recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the apprenticeship.
• Valid UK driving license required.
• Ability to travel daily to depots or work sites.

Responsibilities

• Learn to interpret utility plans and follow safety procedures.
• Champion health and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.
• Transport, place, compact, and finish concrete for various structures.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Manual dexterity

Physical fitness

Ability to use hand tools

Interest in outdoor work

Can-do attitude

Education

Achieved grades 4-9 in English and Maths

Functional Skills equivalent to GCSEs

Tools

Power tools

Compactor plates

Laser equipment

Setting out equipment

Job description

Right across infrastructure, there’s a requirement to not only maintain, but also renew and reimagine. Whatever stage you’re at in your career, with us you’ll have an opportunity to grow and develop. We deliver essential infrastructure services for life, prioritizing safety, and being client and customer centric in a friendly, fun, and respectful environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

Where will you be working?

We help our clients safeguard the water supply, improve environmental performance, and manage demand for future generations. We enhance and extend asset life, ensuring compliance with water quality and environmental standards. We’re problem solvers with over 140 years of combined experience in engineering and infrastructure.

This role will be within our MEICA and capital maintenance team. Our Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (MEICA) experts offer a one-stop solution, including ongoing operation and maintenance services.

This role will be within our IOS Framework for Anglian Water, supporting operations and completing remedial works over the Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridge areas.

Want to be a part of it?

What will you be doing?

This 18-month programme will develop your practical, technical, and soft skills, with Health & Safety at the core of everything you do. Upon successful completion, you will gain a Groundworker Level 2 qualification and a long-term career with M Group Water!

• You’ll learn various techniques and working practices to ensure work is completed according to the programme of work.
• You’ll learn how to interpret utility plans and follow safety procedures.
• You’ll be taught to understand and complete method statements and risk assessments.
• We’ll show you how to identify key risks and hazards, and how to report near misses in line with our safety policies.
• You’ll learn to use and maintain power tools and equipment, including compactor plates, boning rods, portable power tools, levels, straight edges, lines, pins, and laser equipment.
• You’ll learn to select and use basic setting out equipment, such as tape measures, levels, straight edges, lines, pins, boning rods, and laser equipment, under supervision.
• You’ll learn to install, maintain, and remove temporary protections and safety arrangements, including barriers, notices, and lighting.
• You’ll learn to measure, mark, cut, and install geo-membranes to stabilize soil for reinstatement and excavations.
• We’ll teach you how to form and reinstate excavations and surfaces to sub-grades, sub-bases, and road bases, including installation of ironworks, brickwork, and frames.
• You’ll transport, place, compact, and finish concrete for slabs, bases, footings, paths, and kerbs, including reinforcement placement.
• Safety is our license to operate! You’ll champion health and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.

What you’ll bring

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the apprenticeship.
• Valid UK driving license.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Achieved grades 4-9 in English and Maths or willing to undertake Functional Skills equivalent to GCSEs.
• Ability to travel daily to depots or work sites, possibly at unsocial hours.
• Willing to travel for training and development sessions.
• Interest and enthusiasm for outdoor work.
• Manual dexterity and ability to use hand tools.
• Physical fitness to perform manual tasks safely in various weather conditions.
• Effective communication skills.
• Keen to learn and develop.
• Passionate about the industry.
• Hardworking, reliable, with excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to use initiative and a 'can do' attitude.

What’s in it for you?

We offer benefits to support your life in and out of work, including:

• Matched or contributory pension scheme.
• 24/7 online GP service.
• Employee assistance program.
• Access to retail discounts via My Rewards portal.
• Life assurance.
• Cycle to work, salary finance, and give as you earn schemes.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Reward and recognition schemes.

Additional benefits include:

• 21 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 25 days with service.
• Health Care Cash Plan for medical expenses.
• Personal Accident Cover.

About us

We aim to be an employer of choice, attracting diverse talent. We support and recruit army veterans and foster an inclusive environment through our ENABLE networks. Our values—responsible, open, together, and ambitious—shape our culture and working relationships.

We offer industry-recognized programs, training, and development for all career stages. Join us during this exceptional time to make a difference with M Group.

Please note: Job adverts may close early; apply promptly. Successful candidates may undergo background checks and drug/alcohol testing.