Cement Finisher Apprentice

J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension contributions

Training

Vacation funds

Job summary

Findorff is offering a Cement Finisher Apprentice program in Wisconsin. This apprenticeship blends classroom and on‑the‑job training with hands‑on experience in shaping growing communities near you.

You will learn concrete finishing, surface preparation, joint creation, curing, and blueprint reading while earning a competitive starting wage and benefits as part of a structured career path with potential for advancement.

Qualifications

• Physical stamina to work long hours on concrete projects.
• Good hand‑eye coordination for precise finishes.
• Attention to detail to identify and correct surface imperfections.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt finishing methods on site.
• Teamwork to collaborate with crew members on construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Preparing concrete surfaces: removing rough spots, leveling, and ensuring proper formwork is in place before concrete pouring.
• Applying concrete: spreading and distributing concrete using a trowel to achieve the desired thickness and level.
• Finishing techniques: using floats and trowels to smooth the surface and achieve broom or smooth finishes.
• Cutting expansion joints: creating control joints to prevent cracking.
• Applying curing compounds: spraying or brushing to promote proper hydration and prevent cracking.
• Reading blueprints and plans: interpreting construction drawings for placement and finish details.
• Operating power tools: grinders, edgers, vibrators to achieve finishes and textures.
• Quality control: inspecting finished concrete for defects and adherence to specs.
• Maintaining safety protocols: following site guidelines and using PPE.

Skills

Physical strength & endurance

Hand‑eye coordination

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork

Job description

At Findorff, we bring expertise and value in construction that extends far beyond building. From humble beginnings in 1890, Findorff has now grown to become one of the region's most trusted construction firms. Our staff help shape communities through a commitment to quality and relationships.

About Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine classroom and hands‑on training with on‑the‑job experience. They start in the $40,000/year range and offer benefits that may include health insurance, pension contributions, training, and vacation funds. More information on apprenticeships can be found on the State of Wisconsin's Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards site.

Job Overview

By joining the industry as a Cement Finisher Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to be part of shaping the growing communities near you. You will have a rewarding job that offers variety and potential for career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing concrete surfaces: removing rough spots, leveling, and ensuring proper formwork is in place before concrete pouring.
• Applying concrete: spreading and distributing concrete using a trowel to achieve the desired thickness and level.
• Finishing techniques: using hand tools like floats and trowels to smooth out the concrete surface, creating a desired finish like broom finish or smooth finish.
• Cutting expansion joints: using specialized tools to create control joints in the concrete to prevent cracking.
• Applying curing compounds: spraying or brushing curing compounds on the concrete to promote proper hydration and prevent surface cracking.
• Reading blueprints and plans: interpreting construction drawings to understand the required concrete placement and finishing details.
• Operating power tools: using power tools like grinders, edgers, and vibrators to achieve specific finishes and textures.
• Quality control: inspecting the finished concrete for defects and ensuring compliance with project specifications.
• Maintaining safety protocols: adhering to all safety guidelines on the construction site, including wearing proper personal protective equipment.

Skills & Qualifications

• Physical strength and endurance: ability to work long hours on your feet, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive motions.
• Hand‑eye coordination: precise control when using hand tools to achieve smooth finishes.
• Attention to detail: ability to identify and correct imperfections in the concrete surface.
• Problem‑solving skills: adapting to changing conditions and resolving issues that may arise during concrete finishing.
• Teamwork: collaborating effectively with other construction crew members.

Diversity matters. Findorff recognizes the talents of all, appreciating the different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make us a stronger company and partner for the communities we live and work in.

Findorff provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.