To work as a Concreter, you need to be hardworking, comfortable working independently and physically fit, as the job will require heavy lifting. Qualified Concreters build, erect and align forms for concrete foundations and structures in residential and commercial settings. Additionally, they interpret drawings and estimate quantities, mix and pour, spread and shape concentrate, then monitor the drying process.
By undertaking an apprenticeship in concreting, you enter into a formal contract with a relevant employer and learn the necessary skills and techniques through on-the-job practical training.
How to Find Concreting Apprenticeships
If you are interested in undertaking a concreting apprenticeship, you should contact the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. The organisation provides support services to help apprentices find a suitable apprenticeship that aligns with their skills and career ambitions.
Once you have decided what you would like to specialise in, the organisation will help you find a registered training organisation and a suitable employer who will give you the skills and experience you need to complete the qualification. Additionally, the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network will help you access financial support through schemes such as the Trade Support Loan and the Additional Identified Skills Shortage payment incentive, if applicable.
If you would like to explore your career options, Australian Apprenticeship Pathways (AAPathways) is a government-funded organisation that can help you decide on a career path. The organisation provides helpful resources for those considering an apprenticeship in various fields. Resources include:
- Quizzes to determine your career interests.
- Job and training descriptions that explore the types of work you will do and the training outcomes.
- Job pathway charts showing career progression opportunities.
Typical Duties of a Concreting Apprentice
During their training, concreting apprentices will carry out a wide variety of tasks. For example, they will measurements and calculations and place, finish, cure, repair, rectify and cut concrete. Additionally, apprentices will apply basic levelling procedures, communicate effectively with colleagues, read and interpret plans and specifications, and handle concreting materials and components with care.
Typical Requirements of a Concreting Apprentice
There are no specific educational prerequisites that determine your eligibility for a concreting apprenticeship. However, employers require apprentices to complete Year 10 in line with the legal school leaving age. You can join the concreting field with no formal qualifications, but only if you can demonstrate your concreting competency to an employer. One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a job in concreting is undertaking an apprenticeship.
Skills Required
To succeed as a concreter, you should be comfortable working outdoors, as many projects will involve working on constructions sites or infrastructure projects involving building bridges and roads. Additionally, you should have practical skills which enable you to safely operate power tools and machinery and have a good level of physical fitness.
Qualified Concreter Average Wage
According to Job Outlook, an initiative created by the Australian Government National Skills Commission, the median full-time Concreter receives $2,100 per week before tax. Predictions indicate that the sector’s future growth will be stable over the next five years.
The hourly wage of a qualified Concreter varies by state.
Sydney, New South Wales: AU$30.38 per hour.
Melbourne, Victoria: AU$33.27 per hour.
Brisbane, Queensland: AU$34.81 per hour.
Darwin, Northern Territory: AU$32.77 per hour.
Perth, Western Australia: AU$29.96 per hour.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: AU$25.03 per hour.
Hobart, Tasmania: AU$31.05 per hour.
East Coast cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are currently experiencing a housing and construction boom. As a result, salaries in these areas are elevated due to high demand.
How to Become a Concreter
In Australia, 38.9% of Concreters have a Certificate III or IV qualification. While an apprenticeship is not mandatory, it is one of the best ways to gain the skills and experience required to become a competent Concreter. Those who plan to do an apprenticeship that includes on the job training should also obtain a White Card, which enables them to work on a construction site legally. You can learn more about White Cards here.
Certificate III in Concreting
A Certificate III in Concreting has apprentices building, erecting and aligning forms for concrete structures and foundations in various settings. Apprentices will also interpret drawings, estimate quantities, mix, pour and spread concrete, and monitor the drying period to ensure the process is done correctly. The training will take approximately 24 months to complete. To learn more about the typical duties of an apprentice Concreter, please visit the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways website.
Certificate III in Paving
A Certificate III in Paving will involve planning, measuring, excavating and levelling sites to prepare them for laying pavers, tiles, concrete and other materials. Apprentice Pavers will cut pavers to size, compact bed sand, and install restraining materials for paving units. The training will take between 36 and 4 months to complete. To learn more about the typical duties of an apprentice Paver, please visit the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways website.
Start your concreting career by undertaking an apprenticeship
Concreters and pavers are in high demand in Australia, and an on-the-job apprenticeship will give you the practical skills and experience to succeed in the industry. If you are interested in learning more about concreting and paving apprenticeships, please visit the Australian Apprenticeships and the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways websites.