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Formworker

Alternative titles for this job include Form carpenter, shuttering carpenter

Formworkers build temporary wood or metal frameworks that support structures during construction stages.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 week

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards
  • applying directly

College

You could take a course in carpentry and joinery skills that may help you get into this role.

Courses include:

  • site carpentry
  • carpentry and joinery

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Formworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a construction or civil engineering company.

You could also get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job through a Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

These can take up to 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study off site.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start work as a construction labourer or joiner's assistant and take training on the job, like an apprenticeship. You will need the support of your employer to do this.

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs directly if you have experience and qualifications from related construction trades like carpentry, joinery or building studies.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

There may be schemes in your area to help you gain construction work experience. Talk to a careers adviser or job coach, or check the work experience advice from Go Construct.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in formwork from Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a formworker, you could:

  • make formwork or falsework 'casts' to shape concrete for foundations, beams, columns and walls
  • read and interpret site drawings, instructions and plans
  • measure, shape and cut materials like wood and metal
  • build wooden structures using hand and power tools
  • assemble pre-made metal frames, scaffolding and platforms
  • check formwork to make sure the shape and measurements are correct
  • work with other site workers to pour concrete into moulds
  • once concrete has set, take formwork apart to be reused

Working environment

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could move into a supervisory position, overseeing the work of a construction team. You could also use your skills to transfer to related careers in carpentry and joinery.

You could work as self-employed and run your own business, working as a contractor for different building companies.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Joiner

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: L39 1LL

Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship – Site Carpentry

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Kempshott, Basingstoke
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Site Carpentry

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull

Diploma in Site Carpentry

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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