Formwork carpenters build structures that are used as molds for concrete, allowing the substance to harden in a specific shape. Individuals in this field work on construction sites and must possess excellent manual dexterity as well as the ability to pay close attention to detail. If you want to work as a formwork carpenter, you can either go to college for one to two years or get paid on-the-job training for four years. Employers will find you more appealing if you have practical experience in this field.
A person interested in becoming a formwork carpenter should consider enrolling in a college-level training program that leads to a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree in this field. These carpentry courses are offered at vocational colleges and technical schools. You must have a high school diploma or an equivalent certification to be accepted into one of these programs. Your preferred training institution will also require a copy of your high school transcript, a completed enrollment form, and recent standardized exam results.
Apprenticeships are another option for getting into this industry. This type of formal teaching program lasts four years and includes both classroom and practical learning opportunities. An apprentice is usually paid while completing his or her education, with the expectation that the pay rate will increase as the apprentice gains more experience. Some of these training programs, which are sponsored contractors or unions, require an applicant to be of a certain age to become a formwork carpenter.
Woodworking classes will give you the foundation you need to succeed in this field. For example, if you want to be a formwork carpenter, you should learn how to read blueprints and take basic math classes because you’ll need to know how to make measurements when building things out of wood. In this field, courses also cover how to adhere to safety regulations.
Getting hands-on experience is an important part of getting ready for this career. You’ll need to construct forms and rough framing, which is the art of constructing the core of a building’s structure. A person who wants to work as a formwork carpenter must be able to use a variety of tools. During an apprenticeship, you will receive hands-on training, and if you choose to pursue a college degree, you should seek out an experienced local contractor who will allow you to assist him or her so that you can hone your skills.