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Concreter

This job belongs to job family > Building and Construction

Further details

Concreters may be general site operatives working for a building contractor or they may work for a firm of specialist subcontractors. On site, they:

  • prepare the appropriate areas for concreting by levelling and compacting the ground
  • take delivery of the concrete
  • place the concrete
  • compact the concrete so that it is strong and durable
  • cure the concrete by wrapping or covering it in polythene sheeting.

Concreters use traditional hand tools such as picks and shovels, trowels and straight edges and machinery such as drills, cement mixers, vibrators and rollers.

Working hours depend upon the job and vary considerably. Concreters usually work about 37 hours a week. This can include some early starts and late finishes.

Some bending, kneeling or crouching is involved in this job. Protective clothing and footwear may be provided by an employer. The cement in the concrete can cause burning or inflammation so contact with the skin should be avoided.

Salaries range from about £12,500 to £30,000 a year.

Concreters need:

  • good hand skills for laying and finishing concrete
  • a careful, methodical and accurate approach
  • an aptitude for maths - important for measuring and calculating quantities of materials
  • an awareness of health and safety requirements
  • to enjoy working outdoors.

Employers include building and engineering contractors, local authorities and public organisations. Jobs are available throughout the UK. Self-employment is common and concreters may also work on a labour-only basis for a contractor, with all tools and materials supplied.

It is possible to find work as a trainee concreter straight from school and train on the job. Young people can also apply to become apprentices.

Most training is provided on the job by more experienced colleagues. There are opportunities to go to college or a training centre to gain qualifications such as NVQs.

Concreters can move into more specialised areas of work such as concrete spraying or concrete repair. With experience it is possible to become self-employed. There may also be opportunities to work abroad on contract.

Further details

 
 

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