Concrete Worker

Tasks & duties

Concrete workers may do some or all of the following:

• prepare boxing (formwork) to a certain level and height to contain the concrete 
• pour and spread the concrete 
• smooth and level the concrete 
• clean down and seal the concrete 
• place reinforced steel in the concrete 
• give the concrete a special surface 
• weigh and mix the concrete materials 
• pump concrete 
• spray concrete on areas such as retaining walls and swimming pools 
• take samples of the concrete for testing

Specialisations

Concrete workers may specialise in decorative concreting, which involves colouring the concrete or stamping it with a pattern.

Skills & knowledge

Concrete workers need to have:

• knowledge of different concrete types and ways of using them
• knowledge of concrete-setting times
• knowledge of methods of laying and finishing concrete
• good practical skills
• basic maths skills to calculate areas and volumes

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a concrete worker. However, some employers may prefer you to have a driver's licence.

Concrete workers working on building sites are required to have a Site Safe Passport, which is issued by the Department of Labour after workers have completed a safety course.

Secondary education

Three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, woodwork and maths.

Training on the job

Concrete workers may begin as apprentices and complete a National Certificate in Cement and Concrete.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation website - information on concrete worker qualifications

Registration

On 1 November 2008, the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme for concrete workers. The scheme will mean that from November 2010, certain restricted work will need to be undertaken or supervised by licensed concrete workers.

To get a licence, concrete workers will have to prove their experience and/or have appropriate qualifications.

Useful experience

Useful experience for concrete workers includes:

Related courses

Bricklaying and Stonemasonry
Building Construction Management

For more information, please refer to Career Services.