Construction and engineering company York Civil has ceased trading, leaving up to 188 employees out of work.

The company told employees and contractors on Monday morning.

A creditors meeting will be held on Thursday.

In a statement, the company's administrator Ferrier Hodgson said the decision to cease the company's operations had been made because of insufficient cash resources and the inability to find a buyer for the company.

The Adelaide-based business is currently working on major construction projects around Australia, including the Perth Stadium footbridge in Western Australia, the $800 million Torrens to Torrens road upgrade, North Terrace tram extension and Main South Road upgrade in South Australia, and the Pacific Highway in NSW.

Ferrier Hodgson partner Martin Lewis said it was expected that any shortfall in paying employee entitlements would be met through the Federal Government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee Scheme.

"We expect any shortfall of employee entitlements will be met through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee Scheme — should the company be placed into liquidation at the second meeting of creditors — however it is too early to form a view on the likelihood of payment to unsecured creditors," he said.

"It's our understanding that any joint venture projects York Civil is a party to, will be continued by the remaining joint venture partners.

"Arrangements have been made with the respective joint venture partners for a continuation of works on the North Terrace tram extension, Torrens to Torrens upgrade and Swan River pedestrian bridge."

The company was founded in 1990 by Ian Tarbotton, who was still the managing director of the company until the appointment of Mr Lewis as administrator.

York Civil has grown from its South Australian base to have offices in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.

More to come.