What are the Skills Bootcamps in Groundworks, Civil and Land Preparation, and Maintenance?

The Skills Bootcamps in Groundworks, Civil and Land Preparation, and Maintenance is a four-week, career-focused programme designed to develop the practical skills, industry knowledge and recognised qualifications needed to progress into groundworks, civil engineering, construction and rail infrastructure roles.

Developed with Crown Rail Group, the programme responds to current skills shortages across the construction, civil engineering, infrastructure and rail sectors. You’ll gain practical experience in areas such as groundworks, excavation, drainage, concreting, paving, setting out, environmental awareness and site health and safety.

The Skills Bootcamps combine classroom learning with practical training to help you become work-ready and develop the skills employers are looking for.

On successful completion, you’ll achieve a Construction Skills qualification, enabling you to apply for the Green CSCS Card. You’ll also complete Personal Track Safety (PTS) and Small Tools and Equipment training, giving you valuable industry-recognised certifications for working in construction, civil engineering and rail environments.

You’ll also be guaranteed a job interview with an employer after completion.

Who should join a Skills Bootcamp in Groundworks, Civil and Land Preparation, and Maintenance?

The Skills Bootcamp is suitable for adults aged 19 and over who are unemployed and interested in developing practical skills for a career in groundworks, construction, civil engineering, infrastructure or rail.

You should:

Be aged 19 or over.
Have an interest in and enthusiasm for the construction, civil engineering or rail industries.
Have been resident in the UK for the last three years.
Live within the Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire area.

Previous experience or formal qualifications may not be required, making the Skills Bootcamps a potential route into the industry for people looking to develop practical, job-ready skills.

Learners declaring previous convictions will undertake a review and, where required, attend an exceptional needs panel.

Important: If you have licence conditions stating that you must not have unsupervised contact with under-18s, your application cannot be processed or accepted. The Skills Bootcamps takes place on a site where students under 18 are present.

If you are not eligible for this Skills Bootcamp, other courses may be available. Contact our enquiries team on 0808 100 3626 for further information.

What will you learn on the Skills Bootcamps in Groundworks, Civil and Land Preparation, and Maintenance?

The Skills Bootcamp combines classroom-based learning with practical training to develop the skills needed for groundworks, civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

You’ll learn about:

Groundworks and site preparation
Excavation and reinstatement
Drainage
Concreting
Paving and kerbing
Setting out
Site health and safety
Environmental awareness
Safe systems of work
Small tools and equipment
Practical skills for construction and infrastructure projects
Personal Track Safety (PTS)

The training has been developed around employer requirements, helping you develop the knowledge, practical skills and behaviours expected on modern construction, civil engineering and rail projects.

What qualifications will I gain?

On completion of the Skills Bootcamp, you’ll complete a Construction Skills qualification, enabling you to apply for the Green CSCS Card.

You’ll also complete:

Personal Track Safety (PTS)
Small Tools and Equipment training

These certifications can help you demonstrate that you have the essential training and site-readiness required for roles across construction, civil engineering and rail infrastructure.

What could I do after completing the Skills Bootcamp?

The Skills Bootcamps are designed to help you progress towards employment and career development in the construction, civil engineering, infrastructure and rail sectors.

After completing the Skills Bootcamp, you’ll be guaranteed a job interview with an employer.

You could also:

Apply for groundworker or labourer roles.
Progress into civil engineering and infrastructure work.
Apply for construction or rail jobs.
Find a new job or apprenticeship.
Progress in your current job.
Develop new business opportunities if you’re self-employed.

There is strong demand for practical skills across the construction, infrastructure and rail sectors, particularly for labourers and groundworkers. This Skills Bootcamps has been developed to help address these skills shortages and prepare you for employment.

How long is the Skills Bootcamp?

The Skills Bootcamp takes four weeks to complete.

When does the Skills Bootcamps in Groundworks, Civil and Land Preparation, and Maintenance start?

The Skills Bootcamps start in September 2026, October 2026, February 2027 and March 2027.

When do classes take place?

Class times are currently to be confirmed.

Where do the Skills Bootcamps take place?

The Skills Bootcamps takes place at the Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 5FA

The centre provides a practical learning environment where you can develop the hands-on skills needed for construction, civil engineering and infrastructure work.

How much do Skills Bootcamps cost?

Skills Bootcamps cost £2,200 per learner, with significantly discounted rates available for eligible employers:

Large employers: £660 per learner
Small and medium-sized employers (SMEs): £220 per learner

Eligible unemployed learners may be able to access the Skills Bootcamp free of charge, subject to funding and eligibility criteria.

If you’re unsure which rate applies to you or your business, contact our enquiries team on 0808 100 3626.

How is the Skills Bootcamp delivered?

The Skills Bootcamps are delivered over four weeks through a combination of:

Classroom-based learning
Practical, hands-on training
Industry-focused skills development
Health and safety training
Preparation for industry-recognised certifications

The programme has been developed in partnership with employers to focus on the practical competencies required for modern construction, civil engineering and rail projects.

How do I apply for a Skills Bootcamp?

Applying is easy. Click the Register your interest button in the Course Information section of this page.

A member of our team will then contact you to:

Provide more information about the Skills Bootcamps.
Confirm your eligibility and existing qualifications.
Guide you through the enrolment process.

If you have questions about eligibility, call our enquiries team on 0808 100 3626.

Adult learning support and guidance

Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.
Visit our adult support page

Entry requirements
- Be aged 19 or over.
- Have an interest in and enthusiasm for the construction, civil engineering or rail industries.
- Have been resident in the UK for the last three years.
- Live within the Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire area.
Careers

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.