what is a formworker?
As a formworker, you create formworks for shaping concrete for various structures. Your duties include evaluating the blueprints to understand the technical drawings and create the ideal formwork. Based on the blueprints, you determine the ideal material for creating the forms and calculate the amounts needed. You also set up the forms and assist construction workers in pouring concrete.
Formworkers ensure the perfect finish for concrete by removing the forms when the concrete dries out and filling the gaps. As a formworker, you are responsible for the maintenance and construction of forms. That means you repair the forms for future use or create new forms suitable for the project. You are also responsible for installing steel reinforcement bars or rebars to strengthen the concrete.
The role requires a strong understanding of construction principles to combine wood or plywood and create the perfect forms. Your knowledge of the maintenance of tools and equipment is also useful for the role. Since the job is physically demanding, it is important to be physically fit to lift heavy objects. You also have the stamina to stand or bend for long hours.
see formworker jobsaverage formworker salary
As a formworker, you earn a salary of $80,000 per year. When you are new in the role, you start with a salary of $70,000 annually, while experienced formworkers earn over $90,000 yearly. The remuneration package depends on various factors, including experience and the industry you work in.
When you are an apprentice, you take home a lower salary since you have minimal experience and qualifications. However, with a few years of experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you can negotiate a higher remuneration package. Having additional qualifications in formwork also improves your salary prospects.
Most formworkers work in the construction or mining industry, but the projects you work on influence your earnings. When you work on complex projects like preparing formwork for the foundation, you are likely to earn more than formworkers who perform simple tasks. Working for a large company also increases your salary prospects since they have more resources and can afford to pay formworkers higher salaries. Small construction companies pay lower salaries since they work on small projects.
Want to know what you will earn as a formworker? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of formworkers
As a formworker, you create forms using diverse materials. For instance, you create timber, metallic, plastic or plywood formwork. Timber formwork is lightweight and versatile, making it easier for on-site construction. For plywood formwork, you attach wooden frames to form the panels for sheathing, form-lining or decking. When you are creating metal formwork, you use steel shuttering with thin steel plates connected using clamps and bolts. Steel shuttering gives the concrete a setting surface to ensure it is smooth and flat.
working as a formworker
Working as a formworker involves creating and pouring concrete forms. If you are interested in becoming a formworker, check out the specific tasks and work environments associated with the role.
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formworker job description
Your specific duties depend on the project you work on. However, some typical tasks include:
- reading and interpreting blueprints: before you build the formworks used to pour concrete for various structures, you check the blueprints. You read and interpret technical drawings or blueprints to understand the shapes of the formworks and where the concrete structures will be placed. When you understand the blueprints, you can build accurate forms for different structures.
- determining the materials needed: as a formworker, you determine the materials needed to create forms for beams, staircases or foundations. You decide on the ideal materials for the job, whether plywood, timber or metal, and you order them for the project. Your duties also involve measuring, cutting, and shaping wood or metal for creating the forms.
- setting up the forms: as a formworker, you are expected to produce concrete blocks for the project you are working on. You ensure the forms are in the ideal shapes for the project and assist the construction workers in pouring the concrete into the forms.
- removing the forms when concrete dries: after pouring the concrete and allowing it to set, you remove the wood moulding. The wood forms should be carefully removed so that they can be reused on future projects. You also repair or replace damaged forms. When the concrete dries, you do the finishing and fill all the gaps to ensure it's in perfect shape.
- cleaning and maintaining tools: as a formworker, you are responsible for constructing and maintaining wood forms. That means you use hand and power tools to cut lumber, drill holes and fasten the boards together. You also maintain the tools and keep them clean.
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work environment
Formworkers work in diverse industries that require building formworks. Hence, you can work in mining, manufacturing or construction. The work environment depends on the industry. You work in all weather conditions, especially in the construction environment. Whether you work in residential, industrial or commercial construction, you are likely to work outdoors in extremely hot or cold temperatures.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include carpenters, concreters and welders. You might also be working in close proximity to construction project managers and project engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, project coordinators, construction workers and project officers.
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work schedule
Most formworkers work full-time for up to 40 hours a week. While you don't work the traditional office hours, you work with construction workers. Your day starts early in the morning since you create formwork used for shaping concrete. Your schedule may also require evenings and weekends to work on urgent projects in construction. When you have strict deadlines, you are likely to accrue overtime, depending on the project and scope of work.
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job outlook
As a formworker, you enjoy a promising job outlook and great opportunities for career advancement. You will have multiple advancement opportunities since you are exposed to most construction processes. For instance, you can become a concreter, carpenter or general construction supervisor. Alternatively, progress to senior positions like site supervisor or construction manager.
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advantages of finding a formworker job through randstad
Finding your formworker job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a formworker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Educational qualifications are not mandatory for becoming a formworker. However, having some qualifications is an added advantage. Start by gaining the necessary certifications to become a carpenter by completing a Certificate III in carpentry, or you can join an apprenticeship with a certified carpenter to gain experience in formwork.
Alternatively, undertake a Certificate III in formwork and falsework. You may need valid industry experience to qualify for an apprenticeship. Since you work in high-risk environments, you require training in health and safety standards. If you work in construction, complete a construction induction training course to obtain a White Card through an approved registered training organisation (RTO).
formworker skills and competencies
To be successful as a formworker, you need the following skills and competencies:
- maths skills: as a formworker, your job requires creating formwork that determines the shape of concrete. Hence, you take precise measurements and accurately lay out the construction lines and markings. This requires good mathematical skills to ensure accurate measurements.
- physical strength: as a farmworker, you spend your day lifting heavy items and working with your hands. You require physical stamina to endure long-standing hours and work in challenging environments. Being physically fit helps you climb scaffolding and bend for extended periods.
- communication skills: as a formworker, you work with diverse professionals to complete a project. Hence, effective communication is essential for relaying ideas to your team members. Having good listening skills is also vital in understanding instructions from engineers.
- attention to detail: creating formworks requires extreme precision to get the ideal shapes for concrete structures. You pay attention to details since you measure precisely and cut timber or plywood to the exact measurements determined in the blueprints. Being detail-oriented helps you build formwork according to specifications without major alterations.
- problem-solving skills: as a formworker, you require problem-solving skills to solve any issues during construction. Your problem-solving skills help you troubleshoot issues and find solutions.
FAQs about working as a formworker
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a formworker.
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what is the job description of a formworker?
As a formworker, you install and repair temporary formworks during construction. You make the structures using wood or metal. The formworks help the moulding of concrete and other materials. You also build structures at the construction site using wood or metal frames and ensure the concrete blocks have the right shape and size.
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how much do formworkers get paid in Australia?
Formworkers earn an average salary of $80,000 per year. However, the earnings fluctuate based on experience and complexity of the projects. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $70,000 yearly. With additional expertise, your earnings increase gradually, and you can take home over $90,000 annually.
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are formwork carpenters in demand in Australia?
Carpentry is a skilled trade with a high demand in Australia. As a formwork carpenter, you can work in construction, furniture making and renovation. You work with civil engineers and project managers to create moulds used to form concrete into beams, columns or slabs.
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what types of materials are used to construct formwork?
Formworks are temporary moulds used to shape concrete into the required shapes. Traditional formworks are fabricated using wood and can also be moulded from glass fibre-reinforced plastics, steel or plywood. Shuttering is the most common formwork constructed on-site using plywood or timber.
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how do you become a formwork carpenter?
To work as a formworker, you should be a qualified carpenter. Gain your skills through apprenticeship programs or pursue a Certificate III in carpentry or formwork. You can improve your experience through an apprenticeship with a certified carpenter and get a White Card to work in construction environments.
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how do I apply for a formworker vacancy?
Applying for a formworker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
