Formworker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course in carpentry skills that may help you get into this role.

Courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry
• Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a formworker intermediate apprenticeship.

You may also gain some of the skills and knowledge for this role from a carpentry and joinery intermediate apprenticeship.

These typically take between 18 and 24 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to work your way into formwork from other construction trades like site labourer. Your employer may be able to support you to gain a qualification through a formworker apprenticeship.

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs if you have experience and qualifications from related construction trades like carpentry or joinery.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English

What you'll do:

Formworkers build temporary wood or metal frameworks, used to cast concrete and other materials in construction projects.

On a typical day you could:

• make formwork and falsework 'casts' or moulds to form concrete items like foundations, staircases, beams, columns and walls
• read and interpret site drawings, instructions and plans
• measure, shape and cut materials like wood and metal
• build wooden structures using power and hand tools
• assemble pre-made metal frames, scaffolding and platforms
• quality check casts to make sure shape and measurements are correct
• repair any broken parts
• work with other site workers to pour concrete
• once set, take formwork apart to be reused
• move, handle and store materials safely

Location : You could work on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, at height, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours week

Working Pattern is as a contractor / self-employed away from home

Career Path:

You could be self-employed and run your own business, working as a contractor for different companies.

With experience and further qualifications you could move into a supervisory position, overseeing the work of a construction team.

You could transfer your skills to working in other carpentry and joinery jobs.