Concrete Trade Has No Clear Path for New Workers
16 posts across 6 communities in the last 60 days; 38% from r/Concrete.
“There was a fuck up when pouring these corner of the beam where it gets close to the block wall and now the engineer wants it cut back. An apprentice has spent a couple days breaking this out”
“Caught these guys cutting some corners yesterday since I was around. Not home today and just got this pic. Concerned that rebar isn't at a good height to actually be in the concrete when poured. Would love feedback to possibly relay without being a "project manager"”
“Contractor poured this yesterday. It doesn't look like they feathered it at all and I'm worried that it's too proud. It looks like this pretty much the whole perimeter of the pours. Idk if it makes a difference or not, but engineered hardwood is going on top.”
Concrete workers are discussing career progression, techniques, and unexpected structural issues. The conversations range from entry-level tasks to dealing with bowing walls, indicating a need for better training or quality control.
SOURCES (23)
“There was a fuck up when pouring these corner of the beam where it gets close to the block wall and now the engineer wants it cut back. An apprentice has spent a couple days breaking this out submitted by /u/Odd-Significance-943 [link] [comments]”
“Caught these guys cutting some corners yesterday since I was around. Not home today and just got this pic. Concerned that rebar isn't at a good height to actually be in the concrete when poured. Would love feedback to possibly relay without being a "project manager" submitted by /u/Macho_Mans_Ghost [link] [comments]”
“Contractor poured this yesterday. It doesn't look like they feathered it at all and I'm worried that it's too proud. It looks like this pretty much the whole perimeter of the pours. Idk if it makes a difference or not, but engineered hardwood is going on top. submitted by /u/RodolfoSeamonkey [link] [comments]”
“Hello! I was driving along I-70 and a large portion of the shoulders were lined with concrete blocks. How long do these take to put down? I'm not sure how many miles it went on for, but I'd say easily 20 on just my side. I listened to 7 different songs while driving alongside it before realizing it was never-ending. How do they get there? I'm assuming a crane puts them down, but how are so many blocks brought to the same location? Is it literally just dozens of semi-trucks carrying t”
“Is it better to tear out concrete in little pieces or large chunks? I like large chunks, it’s less breaking out and chasing pieces around and faster to load a truck. But I want to do wants most time and cost effective submitted by /u/Ready-Act7339 [link] [comments]”
“No prior concrete experience, starting next month. Any tips? I am very excited for this opportunity and want to do everything possible to learn more before I start! The company that hired me only does commercial and industrial. submitted by /u/redcloud3 [link] [comments]”
“Hey guys, Need the brain trust for some advice. Just to note, I'll add some pictures of the footings in question later today when I am on site (if needed). I added an example of one I managed to clean up – so imagine grout splattered around the footing, having dried to colour of concrete. So, long story short. I work as a general hand for a steel fabrication company, I was doing the structural grouting for steel columns. The concrete footings for the internals will be exposed, so it needs to”
“Just watching Lethal Wepon 2, noticed the house on the cliff has big full agg polished floors and stairs. Rewinding it a couple times and saying thats cool or wish I had that job....lol I walk thru Costco or somewhere and judge the floors... i am sure you regular guys that pour and finsh must find yourself doing it? Or is just me???? Happy labor day weekend.... submitted by /u/mapbenz [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone, 32M here and feeling like I’m at a major crossroads in my career. I’ve been with the same concrete finishing company for about 10 years. I work with a great crew, but a huge portion of the heavy physical labor falls on my shoulders and two other guys. At 32, the physical toll is definitely starting to catch up to me. Here’s how my current setup looks: May to November: Monday through Saturday, usually 55–60 hours a week. My life is strictly work, eat, sleep, repeat for 6 months. I’m”
“I’ve done polished concrete and epoxy coatings for years now. Had the chance to polish my own floors in my house. Full aggregate polished to a 3000 git. Enjoy submitted by /u/bskeens3 [link] [comments]”
“Give me a break. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm not a house plumber, but how many poured beams do you encounter in residential work? The only time I see them is apartments/condos. Now, it could be on a slab. Like I said, it could probably be resolved right in that wall space with an offset right off the sill plate.”
“Will start my first apprentice job (mostly concrete pouring and framing + brick laying) on Monday. Any advice for a new guy? I will have the company presentation on monday at 6 am, should I bring some hivis gear with me or other stuff? The company didnt mention anything during the interview and during the acceptance call. Thanks, bless you all. submitted by /u/Optimal-Laugh-6218 [link] [comments]”
“We all start somewhere . How do you get started ? Where to apply? Where to look? submitted by /u/Tricky-Ad9140 [link] [comments]”
“Maybe 70 years ago those numbers make sense. I know concrete may be seen as “cheap” but that’s in relation to other alternatives. It’s still a low maintenance- high upfront cost, product. If you’re looking for actual “cheap”…I recommend DG walkways, Gravel paths, etc. stuff that is high-maintenance-low upfront cost. Also… Theres this triangle that states quality, speed, and cost can never truly all come together. You’ll always lose the benefit of one over the other. submitted by /u/D”
“Hello, long time no see. Ive been lazy about posting but here it is, some might remember me from concrete pouring posts. submitted by /u/Evening_Estate9232 [link] [comments]”
“Apologies if there isn’t enough info or this is the right place to ask this. I have no experience in concrete or construction. This is the 2nd floor of a concrete parking garage for my work. It’s always had a little bit of bowing (about a year or so that I’ve seen) but today I noticed it almost looks to be sagging more. I could be wrong but my gut says it shouldn’t sag like that at all. The photo doesn’t do it justice, either. I’d guess the low points and high points are about 8-10 inches apart”
“Hi ive been doing concrete work for I think about 7 months (counting the previous season, im 🇨🇦) and I was just wondering about progression in the field. Last season I started off just as a digger getting sites ready for the frame/pour crews. Later, the owner started putting me as a helper for the pour crews, so I’ve been around many frames and pours especially this year as the owner decided to move me to a permanent crew. Which is pretty sick, I like getting to actually use tools and be there”
“Had someone request a 24"x 36" wall panel for their office. Of course we spun it up and had a blast in the making. Gotta love the french cleat. Figured folks might enjoy it. Flip flops are part of the design 😂 Sage Green Light Acid etch Matte Sealer submitted by /u/vexr_vexr55 [link] [comments]”