Formworker
Formworkers build temporary wood or metal frameworks that support structures during construction stages.
Also known as: Form carpenter, shuttering carpenter
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a formworker, you could:
- make formwork or falsework 'casts' to shape concrete for foundations, 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 hand and power tools
- assemble pre-made metal frames, scaffolding and platforms
- check formwork to make sure the shape and measurements are correct
- work with other site workers to pour concrete into moulds
- once concrete has set, take formwork apart to be reused
Working environment
You could work on a construction site.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- excellent verbal communication skills
- physical fitness and endurance
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a formworker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards
- applying directly
College
You could take a course in carpentry and joinery skills that may help you get into this role.
Courses include:
- site carpentry
- carpentry and joinery
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Formworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a construction or civil engineering company.
You could also get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job through a Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
These can take up to 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study off site.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start work as a construction labourer or joiner's assistant and take training on the job, like an apprenticeship. You will need the support of your employer to do this.
Direct application
You can apply for jobs directly if you have experience and qualifications from related construction trades like carpentry, joinery or building studies.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be able to cope with working at height
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could move into a supervisory position, overseeing the work of a construction team. You could also use your skills to transfer to related careers in carpentry and joinery.
You could work as self-employed and run your own business, working as a contractor for different building companies.
Career tips
There may be schemes in your area to help you gain construction work experience. Talk to a careers adviser or job coach, or check the work experience advice from Go Construct.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleCarpenter
- Job roleSteel fixer
- Job roleShopfitter
- Job roleScaffolder
- Job roleConstruction labourer
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