Wood
Timber has been used as a construction material for thousands of years. That said, it's as important today as it's ever been. It remains one of the building industry's key materials, and working with it can be varied and prove really rewarding.
Choose A Profession
Form Worker
Entry Requirements
There are no set entry requirements to train as a carpenter, although GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English and Technology may be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory.
Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you to earn while you learn!
Entry to an apprenticeship scheme will usually involve a selection test.
The Benefits
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer.
The Job
Formworkers make temporary structures out of wood or metal. These moulds then have wet concrete poured into them and, when the concrete is hardened, the structures are removed to reveal perfectly shaped pieces. Formworkers are used whenever anything is built out of concrete, including bridges, foundations, beams and staircases.
Please note: In Scotland, this job is done by a Carpenter and Joiner.
The People
To be a formworker you'll need to enjoy being part of a team. You'll have to work to precise measurements with wood and metal, so a good head for figures is also important.