On-site

Formworker

Formworkers build temporary wood or metal frameworks that support structures during construction stages.

Annual Salary

£25,000 to £40,000

Working hours

37 to 40 week

You could work: as a contractor / self-employed; away from home

0.1%
Future employment

There will be 0.1% more Formworker jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

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 may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

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

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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height

More information

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.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in formwork from Go Construct.

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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.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • 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
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