Civil Site Operative Modern Apprentice

Nicol Of Skene Ltd; Lyne of Skene; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Healthcare

Company Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

NESCol apprenticeship support

Job summary

Nicol of Skene Ltd is offering Civil Site Operative Modern Apprenticeships at various project sites in North East Scotland. The two-year program combines practical site work with college study through NESCol, with one day of college per week and a dedicated workplace mentor.

You will gain hands-on experience in civil engineering, support site teams, and develop the skills and confidence needed for a career in the industry.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in construction and civil engineering.
• Positive attitude to work and willingness to learn.
• Enthusiasm for practical work within a busy site environment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• Good attendance, timekeeping and a reliable approach.
• Commitment to completing the two-year apprenticeship, including weekly college attendance.

Responsibilities

• Assist site teams with day-to-day construction and civil engineering activities.
• Learn to prepare work areas, handle materials and use tools and equipment safely.
• Support groundworks, excavation, drainage and underground utility installation under supervision.
• Assist with reinstatement works and maintain tidy, organised work areas.
• Learn to follow drawings, instructions and safe working procedures.
• Complete practical tasks to the required quality standards with guidance from experienced colleagues.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors and other site personnel.
• Follow site safety rules, wear the required PPE and report hazards or concerns.
• Attend college one day per week and complete apprenticeship learning and assessments.
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Health & Safety

Job description

All JOBS

October 7, 2026

Civil Site Operative Modern Apprentice

Various Nicol of Skene project sites, North East Scotland

Full Time, Fixed-Term

Nicol of Skene, a leading Civil Engineering, Horizontal Directional Drilling & Multi-Utility Contractor, is seeking Civil Site Operative Modern Apprentices to join our growing team.

This is an opportunity to begin a practical career in construction and civil engineering, gaining hands‑on experience while completing a two-year Construction and Civil Engineering Modern Apprenticeship through North East Scotland College (NESCol).

You will work alongside our experienced site teams while attending college one day per week. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be supported by a dedicated workplace mentor and skilled colleagues who will provide practical training and help you develop the skills and confidence required for a career within the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist our site teams with day-to-day construction and civil engineering activities
• Learn how to prepare work areas, handle materials and use tools and equipment safely
• Support groundworks, excavation, drainage and underground utility installation under supervision
• Assist with reinstatement works and maintain tidy, organised work areas
• Learn to follow drawings, instructions and safe working procedures
• Complete practical tasks to the required quality standards with guidance from experienced colleagues
• Work cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors and other site personnel
• Follow site safety rules, wear the required PPE and report hazards or concerns
• Attend college one day per week and complete apprenticeship learning and assessments
• Promote a strong Health & Safety culture

Working Pattern

• Contract Type – Full-time, Fixed-Term
• Hours per week – 40 hours plus overtime, Monday to Friday
• College attendance – one day per week at NESCol

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Private Healthcare
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Supported Modern Apprenticeship through NESCol
• Dedicated workplace mentor
• Ongoing training and development
• Practical experience alongside skilled site teams
• Continued employment following successful completion of the apprenticeship
• Supportive working environment

Employment & Study Start Dates

The apprenticeship programme is scheduled to commence in August/September 2027. We are currently recruiting and can offer an immediate employment start to successful candidates. We are also happy to consider later start dates for applicants who are still completing S4, S5 or S6.

Requirements

• Genuine interest in construction and civil engineering
• Positive attitude to work and willingness to learn
• Enthusiasm for practical work within a busy site environment
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills
• Good attendance, timekeeping and a reliable approach
• Commitment to completing the two-year apprenticeship, including weekly college attendance

Previous construction experience is not essential, as full training will be provided. Applications are welcomed from people at different stages of their working lives, including those looking to begin a new career.

Equal Opportunities

Nicol of Skene is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Right to Work in the UK

While we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, Nicol of Skene Ltd is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship. Therefore, applicants must have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this position.

We value teamwork, quality and continuous improvement and are always looking for talented people to support our continued growth.