Concrete Finisher

Career Pathway Concrete Finisher Also known as: Cement Mason; Cement Finisher; Concrete Product Finisher Salary range: Average: $30.50/hour Range: $22.00 – $41.00/hour JOB DESCRIPTION Concrete Finishers are responsible for placing, finishing, protecting, and repairing concrete surfaces such as floors, walls, dams, bridges and tunnels. They play a vital role in preparing, pouring, and finishing concrete structures that serve as the foundations for many renewable energy projects, ensuring the stability, durability and safety of related infrastructures. Source: Government of Canada Job Bank Work type: Full-time; shift work; rotational work Work environment: Concrete Finishers work on a variety of projects both indoors and outdoors. Each project presents unique challenges which enables the continued enhancement of precision and expertise in their work. They work in environments where safety is a top priority and teamwork is essential to achieve high-quality results. GENERAL JOB TASKS Check formwork, granular base and steel reinforcement materials and direct placement of concrete into forms or onto surfaces according to grade. Operate power vibration machinery to compact concrete. Level top surface of concrete according to grade and depth specifications using straightedge or float. Ensure desired finish to concrete surfaces using hand and power tools. Install anchor bolts, steel plates, door sills and other fixtures in freshly poured concrete. Repair, resurface and replace worn or damaged sections of concrete structures. TRAINING To become a Journeyperson Concrete Finisher, an individual must compete the certification examination to be granted a Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal – Concrete Finisher). A Certificate of Qualification is not compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador to work as a Concrete Finisher, however registered apprentices and journeypersons often have better career options, job security and wages. To achieve Certificate of Qualification, individuals can explore one of the following pathways: Pre-Employment Program Individuals with limited or no recent work experience in the trade can register and complete a Pre-Employment Program (listed under Educational Options) and then Register as an Apprentice with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD). Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. Recognition of Prior Learning Individuals with acquired learning from work experience, life experiences and other formal training, which may be equivalent to certain components of apprenticeship training programs, can contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer to discuss Recognition of Prior Learning. Trade Qualifier Individuals who meet the jurisdictional requirements and have at least one and a half (1.5) times the work experience of an apprenticeship term for a designated trades can have their work skills and hours verified by a certified journeyperson and may be eligible to write the certification examination as a Trade Qualifier. EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS Institution: Bricklayer & Allied Craftsworkers (BAC) Masonry College Location: Conception Bay South Program: Entry-Level Concrete Finisher Duration: 13 weeks Delivery mode: On-campus delivery; full-time Estimated cost (tuition, fees, supplies): $9,000 (May be subject to change) Entrance requirements: Eligibility for admission requires one of the following: High School Graduation or equivalent Mature Student (further assessment required) Learn more about Entrance Requirements here. ESSENTIAL SKILLS Technical skills and aptitude (Operation of tools and equipment) Manuel dexterity Physical strength Quality control Communication skills Time management Working with others Continuous learning Occupational Health and Safety OTHER REQUIRED TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification Occupational Health & Safety Site-Specific Safety Certifications These may be covered in Educational Program or by employer. CAREER PROGRESSION With experience and additional training, Concrete Finishers can progress into mentorship, supervisory and management positions, They may also start their own contracting business and/or move into teaching/instructor positions. USESUL RESOURCES: Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Division Government of Canada – Career Planning Red Seal Program BuildForce Canada