Groundworker Apprentice - Dounreay

Building a sustainable tomorrow

• Location: Dounreay (and other projects in Scottish Highlands)


• Start date: September 2026


• Contract type: Full time/permanent 

Our apprenticeship

Are you looking to kick-start your career in construction? Do you enjoy working outdoors and being hands-on? Join our team as a Groundworker Apprentice and build the foundations for a successful career in the industry!

BAM is a trusted name in construction, delivering high-quality infrastructure projects. From foundations to drainage, we take pride in creating the groundwork for success.

A BAM apprenticeship is a full time earn and learn position; where you will be involved in delivering multi million projects.  Leaving a lasting legacy and positive change in our communities.

On completion of a Modern Apprenticeship in Groundworks, you will then be given the opportunity to progress on to further learning and leadership training to work towards becoming a Works Manager of the future.

What you'll be doing

As a Groundworker Apprentice, you’ll learn essential skills to support construction projects, including:

• Preparing and levelling construction sites.


• Laying foundations, drainage systems, and concrete.


• Operating and maintaining tools and equipment.


• Following health and safety protocols on-site.


• Working as part of a team to complete a variety of groundwork tasks.

You’ll gain hands-on experience while working towards a Modern Apprenticeship in Groundworks (SQF L5 in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations) at UHI and with the support of experienced mentors and on-the-job training.

What you'll need

Academic requirements

• Ideally, you’ll have five National 4 or 5s (or similar) English and Maths but you'll have the opportunity to build on your academic achievements so far whilst on the apprenticeship


• To be eligible for this apprenticeship you must not already hold a similar qualification of the same level.

Additional requirements

• A lot of our projects are in locations that are not accessible via public transport so a driving licence would be desirable or the ability to learn and have access to a vehicle whilst on the apprenticeship


• Due to the nature of our industry, you may be required to move away to work on a project.  We cannot always guarantee that you will be placed on a project which is close to your home.  BAM do support this by paying a living away allowance.

Who we are looking for

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who:

• Are eager to learn and develop new skills.


• Enjoy practical, hands-on work in an outdoor environment.


• Have good communication and teamwork skills.


• Are reliable, hardworking, and take pride in their work.


• Hold a valid driving licence (desirable)  or are willing to obtain one during the apprenticeship.


• Be willing to sometimes live away on projects or travel (living away allowance and travel expenses paid)

About BAM

 Building a sustainable tomorrow. That’s our mission and our promise at BAM. It’s how we engineer vital infrastructure and construct high-quality buildings as one of the largest construction companies in Europe.

We strive to create an environment where everybody feels welcome and valued. We’re on an exciting journey to employ the best talent to join us regardless of social background, race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or other characteristics.

What's in it for you

In addition to a competitive salary, living away allowance and benefits package, we provide continuing development opportunities within a creative and considerate work environment.  BAM is committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices, and to developing family friendly policies that support work-life balance.

• BAM benefits (online shopping discount platform)


• Volunteering days


• Wellbeing days


• Generous holiday allowance including additional holiday purchase scheme


• Annual salary review


• Living away allowance where appropriate 


• EAP (Employee assistance programme)


• Mental Health & wellbeing programme

As well as working in alignment with our values of being collaborative, reliable, inclusive, and taking ownership of your work, we will look to understand your personal values, your potential and development areas for the role.

The application process

If you are successful at application stage, you will be contracted to arrange a telephone interview