What Does a Precast Concrete Erector Do?

Concrete can be poured into moulds to create many different shapes and forms, including slabs or panels for building walls or floors. These products are called precast concrete pieces. Quite often, a Hoisting Engineer/Crane Operator will lower pieces into place. The Precast Concrete Erector guides this tradesperson, using hand signals, to align the panels and slabs into place.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • using hand and power tools and machines, such as pneumatics wrenches
  • reading and interpreting architectural drawings, blueprints and diagrams
  • preparing the worksite for installation, often including loading and unloading pieces
  • aligning, bolting, welding or using other mounting devices to join panels together
  • guiding the crane operator, using hand signals
  • applying grout, preparing surfaces and finishing grouted areas
  • using riggings and scaffoldings
  • applying caulking, primers and producing various finishes on concrete
  • observing safety in accordance with government and company standards

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Precast Concrete Erector 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 employers and unions, but grade 10 is the legal minimum requirement to be apprenticed in this trade. Completion of the 5400 hour apprenticeship will include a combination of on-the-job and in-school training. The in-school component will include learning health and safety procedures, including proper disposal of solvents and the reporting of accidents. To be a success in this trade, you will need communication skills, manual dexterity, good colour vision, blueprint reading and analytical skills.

What’s Your Future as a Precast Concrete Erector?

Precast Concrete Erectors are employed in the construction sector, and could work on a project by project basis, or be employed by a construction company. They may work indoors and outdoors and be required to bend or stoop, lift and carry heavy objects, and be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and high noise levels. Safety in this trade is critical as many solvents and chemicals are corrosive and the equipment used can be dangerous

Precast Concrete Erectors generally work 35-40 hours per week, often in shifts and must be prepared to travel to where work is available. Many Precast Concrete Erectors have their own business.

Employment in this field is fair through to 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. Employers who hire Precast Concrete Erectors include:

  • Bricklaying contractors
  • Manufacturers of Precast Concrete
  • Construction companies
  • Decorating Contractors
  • Painting Contractors

Wage Rate

  • Wages for fully qualified Precast Concrete Erectors vary from $22.00-$24.00 per hour
  • there is potential for overtime during peak times

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Precast Concrete Erector 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 bend, stoop, stretch, and stand on your feet for long periods of time?

Yes      No

Are you able to concentrate in busy or stressful situations?

Yes      No

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

Yes      No

Do you like working outdoors?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with hand and power tools?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Precast Concrete Erector may be for You!

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

  • Cement (Concrete) Finisher
  • Cement Mason
  • Bricklayer
  • Stone Cutter
  • Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Mason
  • Reinforcing Rodworker
  • Welder

For more information, check out the Concrete Precasters Association of Ontario: www.cpaontario.com/about.html