Responsible for constructing, assembling, installing, and dismantling formwork/shuttering for concrete works, including foundations, columns, beams, walls, slabs, and other structural elements.

The Shutterer is responsible for the construction, assembly, installation, alignment, and dismantling of formwork/shuttering systems used for reinforced concrete construction. The worker ensures that formwork is correctly positioned, adequately supported, stable, and constructed to the required dimensions and levels in accordance with structural drawings, specifications, and site instructions.

Key Responsibilities

Read and interpret structural drawings, formwork drawings, construction details, and site instructions.

Measure, mark, cut, assemble, and install timber, plywood, steel, or proprietary formwork systems.

Construct formwork for foundations, footings, columns, beams, slabs, walls, retaining walls, stairs, tanks, and other concrete structures.

Set out shuttering accurately according to required dimensions, levels, lines, angles, and elevations.

Install and secure formwork using appropriate supports, props, ties, braces, clamps, walers, and other fixing systems.

Ensure formwork is sufficiently strong and stable to withstand the pressure and loads generated during concrete placement.

Check formwork for correct alignment, verticality, dimensions, levels, and stability before concrete pouring.

Install openings, recesses, construction joints, chamfers, sleeves, and other required formwork details.

Coordinate with steel fixers/rebar workers, concrete workers, engineers, and site supervisors to ensure reinforcement and embedded items are correctly positioned before closing the formwork.

Apply suitable form-release agents to formwork where required to facilitate safe and clean removal.

Ensure formwork surfaces are clean and free from debris before concrete placement.

Assist with pre-pour inspections and rectify any defects or discrepancies identified by the site supervisor or engineer.

Monitor formwork during concrete pouring and report any movement, leakage, deformation, or instability immediately.

Safely dismantle and remove formwork after the concrete has achieved the required strength and approval has been given.

Clean, inspect, repair, and prepare reusable formwork materials for subsequent use.

Stack and store timber, plywood, steel formwork, props, and related materials safely and efficiently.

Use hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment, and formwork equipment correctly and safely.

Minimise material wastage through accurate measurement, cutting, and efficient use of materials.

Maintain a clean and organised working area throughout the construction process.

Follow approved method statements, risk assessments, drawings, specifications, and site procedures.

Carry out other reasonable construction and formwork-related duties as instructed by the site supervisor or management.

Quality Responsibilities

The Shutterer is expected to ensure that:

Formwork dimensions correspond with the approved structural drawings.

Concrete cover and reinforcement requirements are maintained in coordination with the steel-fixing team.

Formwork is properly aligned, levelled, braced, and supported.

Joints are adequately closed to minimise concrete leakage.

Formwork surfaces are suitably prepared before concrete placement.

Openings, recesses, construction joints, and embedded items are correctly positioned.

Formwork is not removed until the required approval and/or concrete strength has been achieved.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

The Shutterer must:

Comply with all site health and safety requirements.

Wear the required PPE, including safety helmet, safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and other protective equipment as required.

Safely use hand tools, power tools, cutting equipment, and formwork systems.

Take appropriate precautions when handling heavy timber, plywood, steel components, props, and other materials.

Maintain safe working platforms, access routes, and working areas.

Follow safe procedures when working at height, near excavations, or around construction plant and machinery.

Ensure temporary formwork supports and bracing are not removed or altered without authorisation.

Report unsafe conditions, defective equipment, damaged formwork, or structural instability immediately.

Follow all site-specific risk assessments, method statements, and instructions from supervisors and HSE personnel.

Required Skills and Competencies

Previous experience as a Shutterer, Formwork Carpenter, or Carpenter in reinforced concrete construction.

Practical knowledge of traditional and/or proprietary formwork systems.

Ability to read and understand structural and construction drawings.

Good understanding of setting out, measurements, levels, alignment, and dimensions.

Ability to work accurately with timber, plywood, steel, and formwork components.

Competence in using common carpentry and construction tools.

Good understanding of concrete construction processes.

Ability to work effectively with steel fixers, concrete workers, supervisors, and other trades.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

Ability to work safely and efficiently under construction site conditions.

Experience & Qualifications

Previous practical experience in shuttering/formwork works is preferred.

Experience in reinforced concrete construction is highly desirable.

Experience working from structural drawings and formwork details is an advantage.

Relevant trade qualifications or certification in carpentry/formwork are advantageous.

Formal qualifications may be supplemented by suitable practical construction experience.

Working Conditions

The position is primarily site-based and may involve working outdoors and in varying weather conditions. The role requires physical activity, including lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods, and working at different levels or in confined construction areas.

The Shutterer may be required to work around construction machinery, reinforcement steel, concrete operations, excavations, scaffolding, and other construction activities and must therefore maintain a high level of safety awareness at all times.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be:

Reliable, punctual, and hardworking.

Safety-conscious and responsible.

Physically capable of carrying out construction duties.

Accurate and detail-oriented.

Able to follow drawings, instructions, and specifications.

Capable of working independently and as part of a team.

Quality-focused and committed to completing work to a high standard.

Flexible and willing to undertake different formwork and construction-related tasks as required.

Scaffolder/shutterer/form Worker

Job Description