What is the difference between CPCS and NPORS?

They are both schemes that test and card plant operators. Employers often name the scheme they prefer, so list the one you hold and check what each advert asks for.

Do I need a plant ticket to be a groundworker?

Not to start as a general groundworker, but tickets for excavators and dumpers can open up more jobs. List any you have.

What if I have no groundworks experience?

Show any labouring, farm or plant experience, and your CSCS card if you hold one. Many firms train keen people.

Groundworker CV example

A strong groundworker CV shows the work you do, such as foundations, drainage and kerbs, plus any plant tickets and your CSCS card. Employers look for safe digging habits, accurate levels and the stamina for outdoor work in all weathers.

Profile

Experienced groundworker with a CSCS card and NPORS tickets for excavators and dumpers, skilled in foundations, drainage and hardstanding on housing and commercial sites. Accurate with levels and setting out, and careful around buried services and open trenches. Holds a full UK driving licence and is comfortable working outdoors in all weathers.

Experience

Groundworker

a civil engineering and groundworks contractor

Dug and poured strip and trench-fill foundations for new houses to the drawings and levels given

Laid plastic and clay drainage pipes, built manholes and backfilled trenches in layers

Operated a tracked excavator and site dumper, holding NPORS tickets for both

Scanned for buried services with a cable avoidance tool before digging and marked them on the ground

Shuttered, poured and finished concrete for slabs, paths and driveways

Groundworks Labourer

a local building contractor

Dug by hand and machine around existing services and helped lay drains and ducting

Laid kerbs, edgings and sub-base for driveways and small car parks

Used a plate compactor and cut-off saw safely after training

Kept trenches supported and barriers in place, and followed the daily site safety briefing

Example · fictional candidate · Sage design · Use this design

Tips for a groundworker CV

List your CSCS card and plant tickets, such as CPCS or NPORS, with the machines they cover and when they expire
Name the types of work you do, such as housing foundations, drainage, roads or commercial sites
Mention cable avoidance tool training and any street works or utilities tickets you hold
Show safe working habits, such as supporting trenches, putting up barriers and following site rules
Include your driving licence and any extra categories you hold
Say whether you can travel and work away from home when needed

Applying with a cover letter? See our groundworker cover letter example.