Concrete Finisher

We are looking for a skilled and hardworking Concrete Finisher to join our crew on a variety of commercial, industrial, and residential projects. This role is designed for a professional who holds or is looking to finish their requirements to achieve their Red Seal Endorsement (RSE).

In this trade, timing and precision are everything. Whether you are a certified Journeyperson or a senior apprentice entering your final phase of training, you will be expected to uphold the Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS). You will be a key player in ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of Canada’s infrastructure, from high-rise floor slabs to decorative architectural finishes.

Core Responsibilities

In alignment with the national standards for the Concrete Finisher trade, your duties include:

Site Preparation & Placing: Verify that forms, reinforcements, and embedded items are correctly positioned. Assist in the placement of concrete, ensuring proper consolidation and grade.

Surface Levelling: Execute precise screeding (striking off) to bring the concrete surface to the required grade and contour.

Finishing Techniques: Master the use of hand tools (floats, edgers, jointers) and power equipment (power trowels, walk-behind and ride-on) to achieve specified textures—including broomed, troweled, and exposed aggregate finishes.

Specialized Treatments: Apply chemical hardeners, sealers, and curing compounds. Execute decorative techniques such as stamping, coloring, and dry-shake hardeners.

Concrete Repair & Restoration: Diagnose and repair surface defects like honeycombing, scaling, or cracking using specialized patching materials and grinding equipment.

Safety & Environment: Adhere to strict OH&S protocols, including the safe handling of corrosive cement products and the operation of heavy machinery in high-traffic site conditions.

Mentorship: If certified, provide technical instruction to junior apprentices. If finishing requirements, ensure all Major Work Activities (MWAs)—such as joints, curbs, and stairs—are documented and signed off in your Apprentice Logbook.

Qualifications & Requirements

Certification Status: Must be a Journeyperson or a Senior Apprentice currently looking to finish their requirements to achieve their Red Seal Endorsement (RSE).

Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of concrete mix designs, admixtures, and the effects of Canadian weather conditions on setting times.

Physical Stamina: Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including kneeling, bending, and lifting (25kg+), often in outdoor environments and under strict time constraints.

Hand-Eye Coordination: Exceptional skill in using finishing tools to achieve flat, level surfaces (FL/FF numbers).

Work Ethic: Reliability and the flexibility to work long hours, as concrete pours cannot be paused until the finish is complete.

The Red Seal Standard

The Concrete Finisher Red Seal is a mark of professional mastery. We support your career by providing:

The Path to Completion: For those finishing their RSE, we offer exposure to a diverse range of finishing tasks—from industrial super-flat floors to intricate decorative work—ensuring you are prepared for the Interprovincial Exam.

Competitive Wages: Compensation packages that reflect your specialized skill set and the demanding nature of the trade.

National Mobility: Achievement of a credential that allows you to work on major infrastructure projects across all Canadian provinces and territories.