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Paver

Pavers resurface outside areas with cobblestones, tiles, concrete or other materials.

Tasks & duties

Pavers may do some or all of the following:

discuss paving designs with clients
draw or receive a basic design of the area to be paved
work out construction costs, including labour and materials
give clients a quote
measure the area to be paved
dig out the area to be paved
level and prepare the surface for paving
cement edges of the paved area
lay paving stones and grout (fill with sand or mortar) between the gaps
cut paving stones to the correct size and shape
use a compacting machine to finish the paved area
run their own businesses

Specialisations

Pavers may specialise in certain areas. Landscape pavers generally pave paths and gardens, while commercial pavers usually pave roads, park areas and subdivided sections.

Skills & knowledge

Pavers need to have:

knowledge of paving methods and materials
skill caring for paving equipment
building and carpentry skills
the ability to interpret plans and clients' ideas
communication and listening skills
drawing and design skills
planning skills
knowledge of safety procedures, as they use cutting equipment and may come across hazards on worksites
basic maths skills

Pavers who are self-employed need to have business skills.

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a paver as skills are gained on the job.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a paver. However, School Certificate or NCEA equivalent maths, English and technical drawing may be useful.

Tertiary education

No tertiary training is required to become a paver. However, you can take courses in paving through some institutes of technology and polytechnics. These courses are often combined with training in bricklaying and tiling.