Question 1

What does a concreter do in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A concreter places, finishes and cures concrete for various construction projects. Concreters prepare surfaces, set up formwork, place and spread concrete, operate vibrators and screeds, finish surfaces using floats and trowels, apply textures and treatments, and ensure proper curing. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), concreters are classified based on their skills and trade qualifications.

Question 2

What award covers concreters in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Concreters are typically covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in on-site construction work. Always verify which award applies to your specific construction business.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a concreter?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, concreters are typically classified as Construction Worker Level 3 (tradesperson) if they hold trade qualifications, or at lower levels for concreting laborers and assistants. Classification depends on skills, qualifications and responsibilities. See our Building and Construction Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a concreter job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive rates based on experience.' Check the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 for current rates.

Question 5

What qualifications do concreters need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Concreters need a White Card (Construction Induction Card) to work on construction sites in Australia. While formal qualifications are not always required, Certificate III in Concreting (CPC30220) is highly valued and preferred by employers. Experience in concreting work is essential for most positions. Additional licences such as forklift operation may be required depending on the role.

Question 6

Is a White Card mandatory for concreters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all workers on construction sites in Australia must hold a valid White Card (Construction Induction Card or General Construction Induction training). This is a legal requirement in all states and territories. The White Card demonstrates completion of basic construction safety training and must be current to work on site.

Question 7

How long does it take to become a qualified concreter?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate III in Concreting apprenticeship typically takes 3-4 years to complete. However, many concreters enter the trade as laborers and gain experience on the job before pursuing formal qualifications. Some candidates may gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for their existing experience, which can shorten the qualification timeframe.

Question 8

What other certifications are useful for concreters?

Accepted Answer

Additional certifications that enhance employability include: forklift licence (LF or LO class), First Aid certification, working at heights training, confined space entry, and specific equipment operation tickets such as concrete pump operator or boom pump certifications. These additional qualifications can increase job opportunities and earning potential.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent concreters?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your project pipeline and workflow. Permanent staff provide consistency for ongoing projects, while casuals offer flexibility for project-based work and variable demand. Many construction businesses use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to concreters?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and overtime. Construction work often involves early starts and weekend work, so penalty rates are common. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the typical working hours for concreters?

Accepted Answer

Concreters typically work standard construction hours, with early starts common (often 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM). Concrete pours must be completed in specific timeframes, which may require extended hours until the pour and initial finishing is complete. Weekend work may be required for certain projects. Overtime rates apply for hours worked beyond the standard working week.

Question 12

What should I include in a concreter employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work locations and project sites, expected working hours, PPE and uniform requirements, White Card verification, and any specific equipment licences required. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance should I provide rosters to concreters?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employers must provide reasonable notice of rosters. Construction work is often project-based, so roster patterns may vary. Providing advance notice helps workers plan their personal commitments. Using rostering software helps ensure visibility and allows for project changes.

Question 14

Can I require concreters to work at different sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multi-site construction work is common in the industry. Ensure you clearly communicate site rotation expectations in the job description and consider travel time and distance between locations. Some projects may require workers to travel to different sites during a project lifecycle. Site allowances or travel time may apply under the award.

Question 15

What breaks are concreters entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employees are entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks based on their hours of work. Specific break entitlements depend on shift length and state/territory regulations. Concrete finishing work is time-critical, so break planning must balance worker entitlements with pour schedules. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively.

Question 16

How do I schedule concreters efficiently for concrete pours?

Accepted Answer

Schedule concreters based on pour schedules and project requirements. Concrete pours require adequate staffing from start to finish, as the work is time-critical. Plan for sufficient crew size to handle the volume of concrete, and ensure experienced finishers are available. Consider weather forecasts when scheduling pours. Use rostering software to coordinate teams and manage project-based scheduling.

Concreter job description