Introduction: Concrete Finishing: A Career with Lasting Impact
Concrete finishing isn’t just another job—it’s a skilled trade that plays a key role in construction. Whether it’s pouring sidewalks or laying down foundations, concrete finishers are the ones making surfaces that help connect communities.
If you’re looking for a hands-on career that’s practical and rewarding, concrete finishing could be a great fit. It offers a chance for growth and stability while letting you take pride in helping make long-lasting projects.
Who Is a Concrete Finishing Career For?
This field is perfect for people who value teamwork, can follow instructions, and are reliable—qualities that are key on any construction site. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, concrete finishing might be for you if this sounds like you.
Concrete finishing could be a great career choice for anyone who:
• Enjoys working with their hands and creating something tangible
• Prefers outdoor, active work over an office environment
• Has strong attention to detail and enjoys seeing a project through from start to finish
• Doesn’t mind physical labor and takes pride in a job well done
Steps to Prepare for an Interview—Even with No Experience
Preparing for a concrete finisher interview when you don’t have experience might sound daunting, but there are ways to set yourself up for success.
1. Highlight Your Skills: While you may not have direct experience, consider any skills or experiences that are relevant. Mention any hands-on projects you’ve done, experience with physical labor, or situations where you’ve worked in a team or shown a strong work ethic.
2. Research the Role: Understanding concrete finishing basics, such as concrete types, tools used, and common techniques, can show employers that you’re serious and willing to learn. Spend time on resources like YouTube tutorials or industry websites to familiarize yourself with the role’s demands.
3. Show Your Reliability: Employers in construction value workers they can count on, so highlight your reliability and want to learn more about the field. Employers want someone who is dependable and willing to work hard, so make sure that you show them that.
4. Consider a Trade School or Short Certification Program: If you want a competitive edge, consider enrolling in a short training program focused on construction or concrete finishing. Some community colleges or trade schools offer these, and they can give you the basic knowledge to help you stand out in an interview.
Tip: Showing up on time for your interview and with some basic knowledge can make all the difference, even if you’re new to the field. (If it is between you and other nonexperienced people, these things will help)
Why Concrete Finishing Is Worth It: Three Key Reasons
Job Stability and Growth: Concrete is one of the most commonly used building materials, meaning demand for finishers remains high. Once you’re trained, you’ll find job opportunities in many areas, from public infrastructure projects to residential and commercial construction.
Career Advancement: Starting as a concrete finisher can lead to other roles in construction, like project management or specialized work in areas like decorative concrete. Some finishers go on to start their own businesses, using their skills to build a successful career independently.
Pride in Your Work: Concrete finishers leave a tangible mark on the world—each sidewalk, road, or foundation you complete is a lasting testament to your skills. For those who take pride in building something real and impactful, this career offers a unique sense of accomplishment.
Fun Fact: Concrete finishing isn’t just functional; some finishers specialize in decorative work, adding unique textures, patterns, and colors to their projects.
Skills You’ll Build on the Job
Concrete finishing requires a mix of technical and practical skills that you’ll continue to build with experience:
• Precision and Attention to Detail: Working with concrete means getting surfaces smooth, level, and durable, which requires a good eye for detail.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: From unexpected weather changes to curing times, concrete finishing presents challenges that call for quick thinking and adaptability.
• Team Collaboration: Construction projects require good communication and teamwork, as you’ll be working with other trades, like form setters and supervisors, to ensure every phase is completed correctly.
Starting out, these skills might seem challenging, but with on-the-job training, you’ll quickly become comfortable. The experience and skills you gain will also be valuable if you decide to pursue other areas in construction down the road.
A Day in the Life of a Concrete Finisher
Morning: The day often begins with team meetings to review the project’s goals, plan tasks, and discuss any challenges. Then it’s time to get together the tools and materials.
Midday: Concrete is poured, spread, and leveled—a process that requires focus and teamwork. You might work with tools like screeds, trowels, and floats to ensure smooth surfaces and sometimes apply surface textures or patterns.
Afternoon: Finishers might use specialized tools like trowels or edgers to smooth surfaces and add any necessary edges or decorative touches after pouring and leveling. Depending on the project, this can involve applying different techniques for textures or sealants to protect and enhance the concrete.
End of the Day: Once the concrete has set, it’s time for cleanup and putting away tools, cleaning equipment, and prepping materials for the next day. A quick review with the team often wraps up the day, ensuring everyone is on track and ready for the next steps in the project.
Is it for me?
As a concrete finisher, you’ll get to play a big part in building important stuff, and you’ll love seeing the results of your hard work in the community. If you’re looking for a solid career in a dependable industry, concrete finishing is a great pick. Whether you just graduated, are changing careers, or want a hands-on job with room to advance, this role has you covered. It’s all about stability and growth while creating something that really stands the test of time.