Groundworker (Grondwerker)
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A groundworker is responsible for various activities that have to do with ground and excavation work. An groundworker can perform various activities by hand or with a machine. For example, a groundworker digs trenches to process cables or pipes. The construction of a sewer can also be part of the work of a groundworker. A groundworker often works with an operator who performs excavation work with a machine. The groundworker then ensures that no existing pipes or cables are hit during digging. The groundworker will only dig manually if there is no other option because the relevant place for a machine is inaccessible or if the work requires it. The profession of groundworker should also be seen as fairly general because there can be different types of specialists working as groundworkers. In many cases, it will involve preparatory work, such as for laying cables, sewers or other construction work. Depending on the type of work, it can be trenching, but it can also involve larger earthworks. As described earlier, it is quite conceivable that a groundworker can also be responsible for other activities. In other words, in general, different craftsmen can be regarded as groundworkers. Most groundworkers are therefore not only responsible for excavation work. In addition, groundworkers can work for various companies within the Civil Engineering. The profession of groundworker has an important role within civil engineering because otherwise many activities cannot be carried out.
A groundworker is therefore a civil craftsman who works for his work below street level. Earthworks can be carried out for many reasons. Think, for example, of renewing gas pipes or water pipes or renewing sewers. In addition, groundwork may be required to renew internet cables, telephone cables and power cables. If municipalities want to renew the pavement, in many cases the sewerage system will also be included when necessary. Nowadays, two pipes are often even laid, namely one for the sewerage system and one for the rainwater drainage (HWA). This is done to prepare all houses for the future, in which clean water is drained separately. A groundworker can therefore be responsible for various types of work.
SMALL-SCALE GROUNDWORK
Small-scale groundwork usually applies when utilities or other companies need to perform maintenance work. Consider, for example, a malfunction or leakage, which may make it necessary to carry out local repairs. In these types of cases, it is necessary to dig open the street locally and look for the cause. Especially broken water pipes, gas pipes and electricity cables need to be repaired quickly because this is potentially dangerous. In these types of cases, an groundworker will in most cases work manually, but an groundworker can also use a mini crane.
WORKING AS AN GROUNDWORKER
A groundworker generally works with several colleagues who are all responsible for specific work. Consider, for example, an earthmoving operator who is responsible for digging trenches. Because in most cases, a crane operator cannot see everything from the crane, it is the responsibility of the groundworker to ensure that the operator does not touch any cables or pipes. Checking the digging depth is also part of the work of an groundworker. In some cases, a groundwork can also work with a drill master. A drill master drills pipes and cables underground, so that less digging is required. Of course, this does not alter the fact that in most cases, digging will still have to be done.
Depending on the work, an groundworker may also have to deal with cable and pipe layers. Cable and pipe layers work independently, but it regularly happens that groundworkers will be used. It is not the case that groundworkers only have to deal with street work within civil engineering. Depending on the employer, a groundworker can be used for all preparatory work that has to do with groundwork. Consider, for example, housing construction, in which groundwork must be carried out. The profession of groundworker also occurs within hydraulic engineering. Think, for example, of dredging work.
WHAT DOES A GROUNDWORKER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN GROUNDWORKER
There are no training opportunities for the specific task of groundworker. However, it can be part of the MBO course ground, water and road construction (GWW), gardener training or paver training. The profession of groundworker is rare or not common in practice because it is usually a part of other activities. The best training for this profession will therefore be the Mbo training all-round craftsman gww (craftsman gww). As an groundworker, it is important that you can work safely according to the working drawing. In most cases, new groundworkers will follow a vocational training course, in which experienced colleagues act as teachers. As described earlier, the profession of groundworker can involve a variety of craftsmen. Which training is most suitable for a groundworker therefore depends on the further work. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A GROUNDWORKER CAN BE EMPLOYED
As an groundworker, you usually work in civil engineering, as an employee of a company. In addition, the profession of groundworker occurs within specialized companies such as a drinking water company, a telecom company or a contractor. Earthworks is a broad concept because earthworks are required within many companies. A groundworker can also work as an entrepreneur and then work for different clients.
COMPETENCES GROUNDWORKER
As a groundworker, your most important competence is that you are physically fit because the work can often be hard. Not all earthworks can be carried out with machines. Think of work where existing pipes have already been worked in the ground, and the risk of damage is too great if digging with a machine. In general, communication can also be regarded as an important competence because a groundworker has a lot to do with colleagues during the work. In addition, safety can be regarded as an important competence. It can also be important that a groundworker can be regarded as a mechanic and technician, depending on the type of work. Generally important words for a groundworker are motivation, perseverance, energy, sense of responsibility, performance, planning and organizing.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A GROUNDWORKER
The labour market perspective of a groundworker is generally fairly good. However, it can be important that you have the right training because working as a groundworker should in many cases be seen as an addition to another profession. There is generally not much demand for groundworkers who can only perform manual earthworks. This does not alter the fact that earthworks are very important for companies. The career opportunities of a groundworker can be seen in the management of othergroundworkers. In that case, a groundworker may be considered a foreman.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY GROUNDWORKER
As a groundworker, there are no employment conditions to indicate because the position is not specific enough. Most groundworkers also have other tasks within a company. A groundworker will usually earn between 1800 and 2400 euros per month, depending on his age, and will be covered by the construction collective agreement, depending on the type of employer.
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