Concrete finishers job out line

Nature of work

Concrete finishers place and finish the concrete. They may also color concrete surfaces, expose aggregate in walls and sidewalks, or fabricate concrete beams, columns, and panels. First the finisher set forms to hold the concrete in place, and then they spread the concrete in the forms. After the concrete is on the ground they use special tools to level or screed the concrete. When the concrete is screeded they take an edging tool around the boarder of the forms to give the concrete a nice finished edge.

Working Conditions

Most finishing is done at floor level; Workers must bend and kneel often. Many of the jobs are outdoors and work is usually stopped during bad weather. The work either indoors or outdoors, may be in muddy, dusty, and dirty areas. To avoid chemical burns from uncured concrete and sore knees from frequently kneeling, many workers wear kneepads.

Poor Concrete Slum Houses

Concrete

concrete crane

Workers also usually wear water-repellent boots while working in wet concrete.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Cement workers usually learn their skills by on the job training as helpers or though 3 year apprenticeship programs. When hiring people employer's prefer high school graduates who are at least 18 years old and are in good physical condition. On the job training programs consist of experienced workers teach helpers to use tools, equipment, machines, and materials of the trade. Three-year apprenticeship programs provide on the job training in addition to a recommended minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction each year. A written test and a physical exam may be required.

Job Outlook

Despite expected slow job growth for skilled cement masons and concrete finishers are expected to be excellent as the increase in demand out paces the supply of workers in this craft. Workers in this field may experience periods of...