Formworker

On a typical day you could:

• make formwork and falsework 'casts' or moulds to form concrete items like foundations, staircases, 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 power and hand tools
•  assemble pre-made metal frames, scaffolding and platforms
•  quality check casts to make sure shape and measurements are correct
•  repair any broken parts
•  work with other site workers to pour concrete
•  once set, take formwork apart to be reused
•  move, handle and store materials safely

• 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
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards
• applying directly

You could be self-employed and run your own business, working as a contractor for different companies.

With experience and further qualifications you could move into a supervisory position, overseeing the work of a construction team.

You could transfer your skills to working in other carpentry and joinery jobs.