Concrete finishers spread and level poured concrete to create smooth finishes for surfaces like roads, pavements, floors and curbs, using a variety of specialist equipment. As a concrete finisher, you may also use forms (moulds) to create concrete blocks for building projects.
A concrete finisher is responsible for ensuring that poured concrete is laid and finished to the highest standard.
The duties of a concrete finisher include:
While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a concrete finisher, there are several routes you could take to help you pursue this career. You could complete a college course or an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.
You should explore these routes to becoming a concrete finisher, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
To become a concrete finisher, it would be beneficial to have up to 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English, at grade 4 or above.
You could complete a construction apprenticeship to help you become a concrete finisher.
Apprenticeships in construction and the built environment, or engineering will provide you with the necessary qualifications to begin working in this field and open up opportunities to specialise in concrete finishing.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
If you have previous experience as a labourer, you could apply for work in a construction company in order to develop your skills. Your employer may offer training to help you specialise and become a concrete finisher.
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a concrete finisher. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Ideal skills for a concrete finisher include:
To become a Concrete Finisher, you could complete a:
To become a Concrete Finisher, you could complete a:
To become a Concrete Finisher, you could complete a:
The expected salary for a concrete finisher varies as you become more experienced.
Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
As a concrete finisher, you could progress into the role of site manager and take on the responsibility of managing the workforce on-site.
Alternatively, you could move into a planning or engineering role, or work for government agencies and local authorities.
