CEMENT FINISHER APPRENTICE

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chicago is offering a three-year Cement Finisher Apprenticeship under the Cement Masons Local 502 union. The program combines 432 hours of classroom instruction with 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training, leading to journeyman status upon completion.

Starting salary is set at $39.97/hr with the apprenticeship designed to prepare you for cement finishing, reading drawings, setting forms, and applying finish techniques under supervision.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma OR GED certificate.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Candidates must pass a drug screen, background investigation, physical, and required pre-employment exams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in laying, floating and finishing concrete under supervision.
• Learn to read drawings, specs and work orders to plan layout of concrete work.
• Prepare sub-grade surfaces and align forms for pours.
• Place reinforcement materials to meet specifications.
• Finish freshly poured concrete using screed, bull float and trowel.
• Use powered or hand trowels to achieve required lines and grades.
• Check line and grade of finishing work to meet specs.
• Apply curing compounds and sealants to protect surfaces.

Skills

Drug screen

Background check

Pre-employment exams

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

CEMENT FINISHER APPRENTICE

Job Number: 419782

Job Description

CEMENT FINISHER-APPRENTICE

The Department of Transportation (CDOT)

DIVISION OF IN-HOUSE CONSTRUCTION

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $39.97/hr.

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CST on 11/04/2026

This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with the CEMENT MASONS LOCAL 502 (Bargaining unit 33).

Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid on this position.

The City of Chicago has partnered with the Cement Masons' Union Local 502 to establish a three (3) year cement finisher apprenticeship training program that combines 432 hours of classroom training and 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training (OJT) and work experience. Positions are not paid by the City for the hours of classroom instruction. Upon successful completion of the training program, positions are awarded a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship. The certificate grants journeyman status.

Under direct supervision of a Foreman of Cement/Concrete Finisher, performs apprentice-level work by assisting in the laying, floating, and finishing of concrete for repair and construction projects, and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Complete 432 hours of classroom instruction in a formal apprentice training program over a three (3) year period, or approximately 144 hours of class time per year
• Complete 3,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) over the three years, or approximately 1,000 hours per year
• Learn how to read drawings, specifications, and work orders to assess work required and to measure and lay out work to restore, install or repair concrete
• Learn how to fill and level surface area with sub-grade materials to prepare work area for concrete pour
• Learn how to assemble and set formwork that holds concrete to required pitch and depth, and aligns forms
• Learn how to place reinforcement materials to ensure concrete reinforcement meets specifications
• Learn how to place concrete in the casting and spread concrete into forms or onto surfaces
• Learn how to finish freshly poured concrete, using specialized tools (e.g., screed, bull float, trowel) to level and smooth the surface
• Learn how to use powered or hand trowels to finish concrete to required lines and grades
• Learn how to check line and grade of concrete finishing work to ensure specifications are met
• Learn how to apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure the surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore the surface

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class.

Location

Location: Various sites (Bureau of Operations and Distribution)

Days Off: Varies

Shift: Varies

Hours: Varies

Lunch: hour

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience

• Must have a High School Diploma OR GED certificate
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
• Successful candidates must pass a drug screen, background investigation, physical, and required pre-employment exams

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

• A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required

Selection Requirements:

This is a non-interview title and WILL NOT REQUIRE A TEST. Bidders who APPLY CORRECTLY will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement. Non-Bidders who APPLY CORRECTLY will be hired in lottery/random order.

For Information on our benefits, please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure, visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Job Posting

Job Posting: Oct 21, 2026, 5:00:00 AM

Closing Date: Nov 5, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

BU: 33

Salary: $28.55/hr.

Pay Basis: Yearly