What does a Cement (Concrete) Finisher Do?

A Cement (Concrete) Finisher finishes the exposed surfaces of poured concrete floors, sidewalks, curbs and many other structures. They also smooth and finish freshly poured concrete, apply curing or surface treatments and restore, repair or replace hardened concrete structures. 

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • training in health and safety
  • finish the concrete by hand or machine and produce various finishes on the concrete using different compounds and techniques, including colours and decorative finishes
  • cut, core and scarify the hardened concrete into pre-determined forms or shapes
  • operate hand and power tools to compact and level concrete and to create the desired finish
  • install fixtures including anchor bolts, steel plates and door sills
  • repair and replace worn or damaged sections of concrete
  • applying curing and surface treatments
  • an ability to follow instructions
  • exposing and finishing aggregate in precast and architectural concrete
  • must be willing to work as part of a team on physically and mentally challenging projects

To view the Essential Skills necessary to work in this field, click on the following link and scroll down to Concrete Former,  NOC  code 9414: http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

What Preparation and Training do You Need ?

Cement (Concrete) Finisher is a voluntary certified trade which means that it does not require a valid Certificate of Apprenticeship to work in the trade. However, apprenticeship training is recommended.

Grade 12 may be required by employer and unions though grade 10 is required as the legal minimum requirement to be apprenticed in this trade. Completion of a 4500 hour apprenticeship will include a combination of on-the-job and in-school training. The in-school component will include 2 ten week blocks of school. To be a success in this trade you will need communications, manual dexterity, good colour vision, blueprint reading and analytical skills.

What’s Your Future as a Cement (Concrete) Finisher?

Cement (Concrete) Finishers are employed in the construction sector. They could work on a project-by-project basis or be employed by a construction company. Cement (Concrete) Finishers may work indoors and outdoors and may be required to bend or stoop repeatedly and carry heavy objects. They may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and high noise levels. Cement (Concrete) Workers generally work a 35-40 hour week, often in shifts and must be prepared to travel to where work is available. Many Cement (Concrete) Finishers have their own business.

Small, medium and large companies, unionized and non-unionized, employ finishers for many projects in residential, commercial and industrial areas. Employers in this field include construction companies, bricklaying contractors and manufacturers of precast concrete. Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average for most occupations through the year 2007 due to trends in housing, commercial and industrial construction. Also, due to the aging workforce, this field will experience significant retirements over the next few years. As a journey person you may:

  • Work as a Cement (Concrete) Finisher
  • Progress to a supervisory position
  • Become a foreperson or inspector
  • Work in related occupations (See below)

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

  • As an apprentice, you would start at a wage rate about half that of a journeyperson
  • Wages generally increase as you gain more competency  
  • Fully qualified Cement (Concrete) Finishers can earn anywhere from $22.00/hr to $24.00 per hour, with benefits and opportunities for overtime as well

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is becoming a Cement (Concrete) Worker For You ?

Do you enjoy working outdoors in changeable climate conditions?

Yes      No

Do you mind being exposed to water, noises, and vibrations?

Yes      No

Can you stand on your feet for long periods of time?

Yes      No

Are you in good physical condition?

Yes      No

Are you good at working independently or as part of a team to accomplish a task?

Yes      No

Do you have some artistic ability and can pay attention to detail?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, working as a Cement (Concrete) Finisher may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills:

  • Cement Mason
  • Bricklayer
  • Stone Cutter
  • Marble Mason