Apprentice Ground Engineer

Master the ground beneath us - understand the fundamental influences of soil, rock, groundwater and contamination on construction and development projects. Explore UK geology - learn about principal soil and rock formations, their origins, and how they impact ground investigations. Develop key technical skills - get hands-on experience in soil and rock logging to British Standards. Conduct research - investigate geology, hydrogeology, landfills, borehole records, coal records and other information relevant to project proposals. Design site investigations - use your research to develop conceptual site models and preliminary risk assessments and select the best method of site investigation and analysis. Develop confidence in SHEQ - learn how to apply safety, health, environment, and quality principles to ground investigation projects. Get hands-on field experience - work on real projects involving borehole drilling, trial pitting, in-situ testing, geophysical logging and other investigation techniques. Analyse & report findings - Learn how to schedule geotechnical and geoenvironmental testing and produce high-quality reports. Manage & lead projects - Build your expertise to plan, organise, and supervise investigations across the UK. Ongoing learning & mentorship - Benefit from regular technical training sessions and mentor support to track your progress.

Training:
Approximately 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying. This will include formal lectures and remote-access directed study, field trips and practical sessions on your degree whilst with Keele University. Studies will be arranged in ‘blocks’ of weeks on campus, known as block release. Alongside this you will work on a variety of projects with Structural Soils ground engineering teams on site and in the office. You will be based at one of our regional offices and will travel to sites across the UK working alongside our ground engineers. Block release means that you do not need to live close to Keele University, but we do ask that you live in easy commuting distance to your base office or are willing to relocate prior to starting.

Training Outcome:

This apprenticeship aligns with the Geological Society of London for Fellow and Science Council for Registered Scientist (RSci). We have an established chartership scheme and support staff looking to achieve chartered status with the Geological Society. 

On completion of your apprenticeship you will not only hold a degree in Geoscience and (for the right candidate) an offer of permanent employment, but you’ll also have 5 years of practical on the job training and experience, having built a strong foundation for a career in ground investigation.

Employer Description:
Since its establishment in 1964, Structural Soils has evolved into an award-winning national, multidisciplinary, integrated geotechnical and geoenvironmental site investigation company. Owing to our astute personnel and range of equipment, we have the capability and capacity to undertake contracts of any size and scope and in any location. We regularly work on projects across the UK, Europe and internationally, serviced by our support staff working from offices in Bristol, Castleford, Coventry, Glasgow, Hemel Hempstead, Wigan, Plymouth and Tonbridge. Structural Soils works with a vast number of clients from wide-ranging industries, both private and public. A client may seek advice on house subsidence, or a multinational energy company may require our help in constructing power stations. Our industry-renowned expert staff offer technical, logistical and contractual advice on all aspects of ground investigations. Our technical staff include civil engineers, geologists, engineering geologists, chemists and environmental scientists. Structural Soils is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors.

Working Hours :
Full time Monday to Friday. Standard office hours 08:45 - 17:15, with 0.5hr lunch break. However, daily routine will vary to meet the needs of site work/the business and study requirements.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Initiative,Willing to travel & work away,Love of the outdoors