Occupation
Formwork carpenter
Formwork carpenters build the temporary moulds and support systems that wet concrete is poured into, then strip and reuse them once the concrete has cured. The forms have to be dimensionally accurate and strong enough to hold the pressure of the pour, so setting out and bracing are as important as carpentry. It is heavy, outdoor, structural work.
Also known as: Formworker · Shuttering carpenter · Concrete form builder · Form carpenter
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Occupation content
Part of Architecture, construction and infrastructure
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Read structural drawings and set out the position, line, and level of forms.
Cut, assemble, and erect timber, plywood, and modular panel formwork.
Install ties, walers, props, and bracing so the form resists concrete pressure.
Check plumb, level, alignment, and dimensions before the pour is approved.
Monitor forms during the pour and correct movement or leakage.
Strip, clean, repair, and stack formwork for reuse once the concrete has gained strength.
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A registered carpentry or formwork apprenticeship with a contractor or union training centre.
Entry as a construction labourer on a formwork crew progressing to skilled formwork through on-the-job training.
A college pre-apprenticeship or carpentry certificate followed by employer sponsorship.
Trade recognition or certificate-of-qualification routes for experienced workers where a jurisdiction offers them.
Typical training: Apprenticeship
Licensing: Regulated in some jurisdictions. Confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Outdoors
- Physically active
- Team based
- Client sites
- Fast paced
Outdoors · Physically active · Team based · Client sites · Fast paced
Related interests
- Realistic (hands-on)
- Conventional (organizing)
Realistic (hands-on) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Architecture, construction and infrastructure.
Official sources
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O*NET OnLine: Carpenters (47-2031.00)
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UK National Careers Service: Formworker
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Canada Job Bank: Occupation search: formwork carpenter
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Architecture, construction and infrastructure in Canada, not a figure for Formwork carpenter. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Architecture, construction and infrastructure family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Architecture, construction and infrastructure: education pathways
Some roles in Architecture, construction and infrastructure may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Architecture, construction and infrastructure: licensing
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