Concrete Carpenter
The profession of concrete carpentry is one for real men. They work hard in all weathers and are at the base of every building. Read all about the profession, training and view job openings.
What is a concrete carpenter?
A concrete carpenter is someone who makes formwork from wood and metal for the purpose of pouring concrete for foundations, walls and other structures that require concrete.
After pouring the concrete, he demoulds and dismantles the formwork again. As a concrete carpenter, you don’t just work on buildings; concrete carpenters are needed wherever concrete is used. So also consider making bridges, tunnels, jetties and sewers. Your workplace is different every time, which makes for a lot of variety on great projects.
What does a concrete carpenter do?
The duties of a concrete carpenter are:
- Reading drawings and dimensions
- Making formwork for concrete structures
- Working together with the iron braider
- Pouring of concrete
- Removing air bubbles from concrete
- Finishing the concrete
- Dismantling of formwork
- Demolition work
Reading drawings and dimensions
One of the most important tasks of a concrete carpenter is reading construction drawings and understanding the dimensions. This allows them to determine the correct dimensions and shapes for the formwork, which is essential for a successful construction project.
Making formwork for concrete structures
A concrete carpenter is responsible for manufacturing formwork that serves as molds for concrete structures. These formworks must be built accurately to ensure that the concrete is of the desired shape and strength.
Working together with the iron braider
Concrete carpenters work closely with iron braiders to place rebar in concrete structures. This strengthens the concrete and provides additional stability.
Pouring of concrete
After preparing the formwork, the concrete carpenter’s job is to pour concrete into these molds. This requires care to ensure that the concrete is evenly distributed and free of air bubbles.
Removing air bubbles from concrete
Removing air bubbles from the concrete is a critical step to ensure solid and durable construction. Concrete carpenters use vibrators and other tools to remove air bubbles from the poured concrete.
Finishing the concrete
After pouring the concrete, it is necessary to finish the surface. Concrete carpenters can do this by smoothing the concrete, applying texture or other finishing methods, depending on the requirements of the project.
Dismantling of formwork
When the concrete is sufficiently cured, it is the concrete carpenter’s job to dismantle the formwork. This must be done carefully to avoid damage to the concrete.
Demolition work
In addition to building concrete structures, concrete carpenters may also be involved in demolition work that requires the demolition and removal of existing concrete structures.
Did you know that there are about 18,000 concrete carpenters working in the Netherlands?
Apprentice concrete carpenter
An apprentice concrete carpenter is in training to become a concrete carpenter. You will make formwork for concrete structures under the supervision of an experienced craftsman.
The employments of an apprentice or a full-fledged concrete carpenter do not differ much. You make formwork for a foundation or a wall, for example, from a drawing. You then ensure that there are no air bubbles in the concrete and take care of the finishing touches. When the concrete is cured dismantle the formwork. The difference is mainly in the responsibilities. During the work, the concrete carpenter is in charge.
Concrete carpenter salary
An indication of the collective bargaining wages of concrete carpenters based on a 40-hour work week:
- A junior concrete carpenter earns €2,100 to 2,400 gross per month.
- A medior concrete carpenter earns €2,400 to €2,900 gross per month.
- An experienced concrete carpenter earns €2,900 to €3200 gross per month.
freelance concrete carpenter
A freelance concrete carpenter is a professional in the construction sector who has chosen to work as an independent entrepreneur. Instead of being employed by a construction company, a self-employed concrete carpenter operates as an individual and performs specialized concrete work.
freelancers have more freedom and flexibility. They can choose their own projects and decide which assignments to take on. The freelance-model allows concrete carpenters to set their own rates and maximize their income. At the same time, it also brings challenges, such as managing finances, attracting clients and ensuring a consistent flow of orders.
freelance concrete carpenter salary
The salary of a concrete carpenter working as a freelancer depends on work experience, among other things. On average, freelance concrete carpenters can charge an hourly wage ranging from €30 to €50 per hour. A freelance person still has to deduct tax, insurance and business expenses from this himself.
What is required of a concrete carpenter?
In a concrete carpenter job posting, we often see the following items requested:
1. Experience
Typically, candidates are expected to have experience in concrete construction. The experience required depends on the desired level. As an apprentice concrete carpenter, you do not need any experience.
2. Personality and physicality
As a concrete carpenter, you often work outside in all weathers. It is a profession for go-getters and go-getters. Being physically busy on the construction site is not a problem for you. Working independently or together with an ironworker, for example, may be requested.
3. Training
An MBO degree in concrete construction may be required or other training that demonstrates knowledge of working with concrete and concrete formwork.
4. VCA and driver’s license
A VCA certificate is often requested in a job posting, this shows that you are aware of the rules regarding safe working. A driver’s license to drive yourself to a job is also often required.
How do you become a concrete carpenter?
In construction, before you are a full-fledged craftsman, you start as an apprentice. This involves a bit of training, but most of all a lot of walking along (and working with) an experienced craftsman. You are an apprentice concrete carpenter when you start training.
You can do MBO training to become a concrete carpenter, which takes about 2 years. During training, you will gain extensive knowledge about pouring concrete and what you need to do so. You will learn how to design and make your own concrete formwork. For this, different materials are used that you will be introduced to. In addition, courses are offered that will familiarize you with specific tools and teach you the intricacies of machine use for your daily work. In addition, learning to read and interpret construction drawings is an essential part of your training.
During the training you will also gain practical experience. If you are doing a BBL training, you are already gaining work experience at the company where you work as an apprentice concrete carpenter. In a BOL course, you will do an internship at a training company working in concrete construction.
Future prospects concrete carpenter
There is a lot of work for concrete carpenters; it will not diminish in the future. The Netherlands has great building ambitions, to solve the housing shortage, for example. All of these homes are built on a foundation of concrete. In addition, concrete is in many structures, including bridges, roads and large buildings. Currently, the demand for good concrete carpenters exceeds the Dutch supply, which is why we often see many migrant workers in this.
Employment agency for concrete carpenters
We are an employment agency also specializing in concrete carpenters. As a staffing agency, we ensure that concrete carpenters can work on great projects in the area. We also provide everything a concrete carpenter needs such as work clothes, tools and transportation. We also work with freelance concrete carpenters. We provide them with new orders and relieve them of billing issues.
Benefits of working as a concrete carpenter through Jobxion
- A good salary, paid weekly
- You build up a pension
- Choose projects that suit you
- Own transportation that allows you to drive privately
- Choose permanence or flexibility
- Top tools you get in usable one
- We arrange work clothing and protective equipment
Curious about your options?
Check out the job openings or make an open application!
Frequently asked questions about concrete carpenters
The duties of a concrete carpenter are:
- Reading drawings and dimensions
- Making formwork for concrete structures
- Working together with the iron braider
- Pouring of concrete
- Removing air bubbles from concrete
- Finishing the concrete
- Dismantling of formwork
- Demolition work
A concrete carpenter earns approximately between €2,100 and €3,200 gross per month, depending on age and experience.
You will become a concrete carpenter with a multi-year MBO education in concrete construction where you will gain practical experience in addition to theory.
Apply by clicking on the “apply” button. Then fill in your details and submit your application. We’ll get back to you soon after that.
If you have a question, please contact Sabine. Send a whatsapp or call: 06 52 53 29 18 or send an email to sabine@jobxion.nl