Form worker

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Timber has been used for thousands of years, and it's still an important construction material. It is used throughout the industry, and working with it can be extremely varied and rewarding.

Overall, woodworkers will need to enjoy using their hands, as well as a variety of both hand and power tools. Good hand-eye co-ordination is essential, as are accurate measuring skills.

Organisation and team working skills are also important. And with jobs being carried out both inside and out, there's the added advantage of variety to the work.

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Form worker

The Job

Formworkers make temporary structures out of wood or metal. These moulds then have wet concrete poured into them and, when the concrete is hardened, the structures are removed to reveal perfectly shaped pieces. Formworkers are used whenever anything is built out of concrete, including bridges, foundations, beams and staircases.

Please note: In Scotland, this job is done by a Carpenter and Joiner.

The People

To be a formworker you'll need to enjoy being part of a team. You'll have to work to precise measurements with wood and metal, so a good head for figures is also important.

Entry Requirements

There are no set entry requirements to train as a carpenter, although GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English and Technology may be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory.

Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you to earn while you learn!

Entry to an apprenticeship scheme will usually involve a selection test.

The Benefits

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer.