Role: Construction Operative Apprentice (Level 2) – Birmingham Area Based
Start date: September 2026
Additional information:
- Site-based role
- Block release apprenticeship study at CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) at Bircham Newton, King’s Lynn
Are you a practical learner who enjoys working in a team, in an exciting project environment? Apply today to our Entry into Construction Apprenticeship and start your career in construction!
Our Entry into Construction Apprenticeship is a programme that will give you the solid foundation to then progress your career into a variety of different construction specialisms.
About Us
Murphy is a leading international, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company founded in 1951 that improves life by delivering world-class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, power and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Murphy Plant; Murphy Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services; and Electrical Services. Murphy employs more than 4,300 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, we work as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success. There’s more to Murphy.
Construction Operative Apprenticeship Programme
We are offering an opportunity to gain your first qualification in construction and get involved in a variety of tasks and responsibilities that will help you understand the fascinating world of construction. We are seeking motivated individuals who are eager to learn, work with their hands and contribute to building remarkable structures that leave a lasting impact.
You can expect to work with everyone on a construction site while you help prepare the site ready for the structural building works to take place. You also work throughout the construction phase, working with all on-site construction trades, such as bricklayers and plant operatives, up to and including the final completion activities of the project. Your work may include setting out and preparing the sub-surfaces ready for the structural work to begin, installing drainage systems, concreting, constructing roads and pathways and carrying out the finished hard landscaping. We offer a variety of work on projects across our rail, tunnelling, plant operations, engineering, utilities, and buildings sectors. This means that after a successful completion of your Groundworker Level 2 qualification there will be plenty for you to get involved with next!
What qualification will I receive through the apprenticeship?
As part of this apprenticeship you will follow the Groundworker Level 2 apprenticeship standard which takes 18 months to complete. The course covers practical principles in:
- Drainage
- Concrete
- Levelling and setting out
- Block paving
- Kerbing
- Brickwork
- Excavation support
- Working at height
- Confined space operations
- Small tools operation
- Movement of plant
- Manual handling.
We partner with CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) at Bircham Newton, King’s Lynn, on the apprenticeship where you will attend block-release study every 6-8 weeks. The college offers full facilities on site to ensure you have what you need to be able to get the most out of the focused learning time. You will be spending the rest of your time gaining practical experience with us on live construction projects. You will obtain your CSCS card and take part in lots of additional training to ensure you are not only making the most out of the opportunity but are also getting to know Murphy as well as possible so that you can start preparing for your next roles with us.
Where will I be based on the apprenticeship?
We are recruiting for this apprenticeship for various projects across the UK. Day-to-day you will be based on one of our live construction projects. We will always try to place you on a project local to you where possible, however due to the remote locations of some of our sites, applicants must be willing to travel as required. Full UK driving licence is desirable but not essential.
What do I need to be considered for the apprenticeship?
- GCSE Maths and English at grade A*- D / 3-9 (or equivalent)
- You don’t need to have previous experience for the role, but you do need to be ready to learn, have a positive mindset and a can-do attitude!
- Eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit if applicable. Please note, that we do not provide sponsorship.
- You will may need a full UK driving licence due to the locations of some of our sites and projects.
Above all, we need people who will adopt our values and strive to live them:
- One Family, One Team, One Murphy
- Always Deliver
- Respect, Integrity & Accountability
- Never Harm
- Continually Improve
What you’ll get in return
- Dedicated and continued investment in your professional development.
- Murphy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture, making Murphy a great place to work where we can all thrive. You can get involved in numerous events and even join our committee dedicated to continuously nurturing Murphy’s inclusive culture.
- 22 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Charity is at the heart of Murphy values; you will receive 2 days leave per year to donate your time to a charity of your choosing. Many teams choose to support a charity together to positively impact our communities.
- Annual salary review
- Above market rate contributory pension scheme
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Subsidised canteen facilities in core locations
- Other Murphy benefits include retail discounts and cashback, discounted gym memberships, cycle to work scheme etc
- Access to Murphy Wellbeing: you will have access to a host of online tools, mental health trained colleagues, and if needs be external professional support because we understand that work and life offers challenges that sometimes need a little extra support.
Our Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process consists of two stages:
- Initial application (Don't worry if you don't have your own CV as of yet, instead please upload a document that tells us a little bit more about who you are, what you have studied and why you are interested in this apprenticeship).
It’s important to us that everybody has an equal chance to succeed, therefore if you'd like to discuss any reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch at [email protected].
Please note: Should we receive a high volume of suitable applications we may choose to close our opportunities early. Therefore, to avoid missing out, we do recommend you submit your application asap.
Murphy is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
