Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.

You are highly organized.

You can think creatively.

You’re good at making decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Use power tools for chipping, grinding, cutting, and abrading concrete surfaces.
  • Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
  • Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using a rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
  • Build wooden molds, and clamp molds around area to be repaired, using hand tools.
  • Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise labourers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
  • Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
  • Waterproof or restore concrete surfaces, using appropriate compounds.

Key Skills & Attributes

(technical training and on the job)
  • Able to work outside in diverse weather conditions.
  • Team-player.
  • Good strength & stamina required to work with heavy materials for extended periods of time.
  • Hand-eye coordination.
  • Space awareness.
  • Manual dexterity.
  • Ability to visualize a finished product.

What You’ll Need

Entrance Requirements

High school or equivalent. Complete a three-to-four-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the required on-the-job training, technical training and exams, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.

Apprenticeship Program: 3-4 years, includes technical training, on-the-job training and exam. Journeyperson certificate awarded after successful completion.

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Hourly Pay

Approx. $41-$42

(Based on journeyperson)

Projected Construction Worker Retirements

~ 8,100 by 2029*

*BuildForce Canada

Did You Know?

This trade is physically demanding but most rewarding for those who take pride in seeing the finished product of their work.