What Does a Formwork Carpenter Do?

A formwork carpenter is a skilled worker who specializes in building formwork that serves as a mold for pouring concrete and supporting it until it hardens. Before any concrete pouring processes begin, this type of carpenter will work with various types of formwork and falsework to create a usable mold. The formwork carpenter may or may not be involved in the concrete pouring and monitoring process. The carpenter will be responsible for removing the falsework and formwork once the concrete has fully set.

Rods, bars, clamps, and other items used to secure formwork are referred to as “falsework.” The term “formwork” refers to panels that are built to serve as molds. A formwork carpenter can use plywood-based wooden forms or steel-based forms. Other form materials are also available, and the formwork carpenter must assess each job to determine which material will best support the project. He or she must also decide whether the forms are permanent or temporary, as well as the order in which the concrete should be poured. The carpenter will need to determine the number of form panels as well as the amount of falsework before materials can be delivered to the job site.

The formwork carpenter may make adjustments to the forms as the pouring process begins, but in most cases, the forms must be securely in place before the pouring process begins. The carpenter will need to inspect the forms after the concrete has been poured to make sure they are holding up and are not leaking concrete. The formwork carpenter will remove the forms after the concrete has set, clean them, and prepare them for transport or storage. Panels may need to be discarded if they are no longer usable as forms; the carpenter will need to examine each panel carefully to ensure it is still usable.

To become a formwork carpenter, little formal education is required, though the ideal candidate will have at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. Although some vocational or trade schools offer coursework on formwork carpentry, on-the-job training is usually sufficient. The carpenter will most likely complete an apprenticeship, during which time he or she will work alongside a more experienced carpenter to better understand the skills and techniques required to create effective forms.