Formworker

Role and responsibilities

The main activities of a formworker revolve around three main tasks: pouring, forming, and stripping. Depending on the characteristics of the site, this worker:

• prepares the workspace (scaffolding and safety devices);
• plans and organizes the materials needed for formwork (concrete, reinforcing bars, etc.);
• assembles the concrete formwork, taking care to reserve space for pipes;
• uses steel reinforcement bars to be placed inside the formwork for reinforced concrete;
• installs strut bars to lock the formwork and checks for leaks;
• pours concrete into the formwork;
• removes the formwork and corrects any imperfections if necessary (scraping, sanding);
• supervises the operation when using a crane for formwork.

Mission

Based on plans and sketches, and under the responsibility of a team leader, the formworker builds reinforced concrete formwork for foundations, walls, and floors of buildings. Their expertise also allows them to build concrete slabs and stairs, and even to work on the construction of engineering structures. When the material is ready to be handled, the specialist worker pours the concrete into the formwork, then removes the formwork once it is dry to inspect the quality of the work.

Required skills and qualifications

Formwork carpenters perform physical work that requires good physical condition. They also have the following skills:

• read 2D and 3D construction plans and sketches; * build reinforced concrete structures (formwork, pouring, stripping);
• installing and connecting prefabricated elements;
• constructing temporary shoring systems;
• be proficient in the use of simple tools such as tape measures, shears, and plumb lines;
• use mechanical tools such as a hoist or jackhammer;
• be skilled with your hands;
• be able to draw well;
• be punctual.