Formworkers make temporary structures from metal or wood, which are used to mould concrete. Wet cement is poured into the casts and left to set, before being removed to leave shaped pieces, such as beams and staircases, for use in constructions.

The Work

You could be:

• working from a technical drawing or plan to work out the required materials
• precisely measuring and cutting pieces of wood or metal
• shaping the pieces as required for the design
• building a metal frame or wooden structure, that the concrete gets poured into
• positioning the structure and using rods or stakes for support
• assisting with the pouring of the concrete into the structure
• dismantling and cleaning the structure carefully after the concrete is set so that it can be reused
• ensuring that you meet all required standards of health and safety.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

There is a minimum wage for apprentices in Scotland. As of June 2022 the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) rates for a 2-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:

Year 1 – £219.87 (£5.64 an hour)
Year 2 – £292.61 (£7.50 an hour).

Please note these rates may vary if the Apprentice is 21 years old or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship. National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) will apply.

Once qualified and with experience the rate can rise to around £19 an hour.

Conditions

• You are based on a construction site, where you work outside in all weathers.
• The job involves bending, stretching and some heavy lifting.
• You would work around 40 hours a week, sometimes doing overtime in the evenings and at weekends.
• You would wear protective gear such as a hard hat and high visibility jacket.

Getting In

• The normal entry route is through a Modern Apprenticeship with an employer.
• You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers ask for subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
• You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction (SCQF Level 4 or 5) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship. 
• You usually have to sit an aptitude test as part of the application process.
• A driving licence is useful and sometimes necessary.
• You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2022

6278

0.2 %

RISE

2027

6288

  United Kingdom

2022

82599

2.2 %

RISE

2027

84404

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• good communication skills
• an awareness of safety issues
• good practical skills, accuracy and an eye for detail
• a methodical approach
• good numeracy skills to work out measurements.

You need to be able to:

• work alone or as part of a team
• read technical plans and drawings
• follow written and spoken instructions.

Training

• Training during an apprenticeship is mainly on the job with off the job training at college.
• You would work towards a SVQ in Formwork at SCQF Level 5 and an NPA in Formwork at SCQF Level 5.

Getting On

• After getting more experience, you can move on to a supervisory job.
• You might move into management.
• You might become self-employed.

More Information

For more information please see organisations listed below: 

• Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
• Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC)

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.