Concrete finisher

How to become a concrete finisher

While there are no formal qualifications needed to become a concrete finisher, there are several routes you could take to help you pursue this career. You could complete a college course or an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming a concrete finisher, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College

To become a concrete finisher, it would be beneficial to have up to 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English, at grade 4 or above.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete a construction apprenticeship to help you become a concrete finisher.

Apprenticeships in construction and the built environment, or engineering will provide you with the necessary qualifications to begin working in this field and open up opportunities to specialise in concrete finishing.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have previous experience as a labourer, you could apply for work in a construction company in order to develop your skills. Your employer may offer training to help you specialise and become a concrete finisher. 

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a concrete finisher. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Ideal skills for a concrete finisher include: 

• Knowledge of working with concrete
• Good level of physical fitness
• Practical skills to operate power tools and machinery
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans.

Qualifications

What does a concrete finisher do?

A concrete finisher is responsible for ensuring that poured concrete is laid and finished to the highest standard. 

The duties of a concrete finisher include: 

• Checking concrete forms (moulds)
• Mixing concrete to the correct specifications
• Setting and aligning the forms
• Spreading, levelling and smoothing concrete using a variety of specialist equipment
• Moulding expansion joints and edges
• Monitoring the effects of weather on concrete
• Facilitating concrete pouring.

How much could you earn as a concrete finisher?

The expected salary for a concrete finisher varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained concrete finishers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained concrete finishers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £25,000
• Experienced concrete finishers may earn in excess of £25,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest concrete finisher vacancies: 

Career path and progression

As a concrete finisher, you could progress into the role of site manager and take on the responsibility of managing the workforce on-site.

Alternatively, you could move into a planning or engineering role, or work for government agencies and local authorities.