Many jobs in the construction industry require special training, and a job as a formwork contractor is no exception. You may or may not need any specific level of education depending on the employer for whom you choose to work, but it is generally a good idea to complete a high school education or equivalent qualification if you want to become a formwork contractor. A post-secondary certificate from a vocational school is even better, as this will better prepare you to become a formwork contractor. You will need to develop basic to moderate math skills, as well as adequate communications and written skills.
If possible, try to find an entry level position with a construction company or concrete company. You can become an unskilled laborer in order to gain some of the work experience you will need in order to become a formwork contractor. Such jobs will give you the opportunity to become familiar with job sites and common construction processes, especially as they pertain to the pouring of concrete. Once you become a formwork contractor, your main job responsibilities will include reading blueprints or plans, designing structures that will act as support molds for concrete as it is poured, inspection of those forms as the concrete sets, and removal of the forms after the concrete sets.
As a member of a construction team, you may be afforded the opportunity to take part in job training that will help you become a formwork contractor. You may end up with a formwork apprenticeship, during which time you will learn the basic skills you will need to perform the job duties of a formwork contractor. The duration of this apprenticeship can vary, usually anywhere from one to five years, and during this time you will have to earn any relevant certifications or licenses administered in your area.
After you develop your skills as a formwork contractor, you can either join a construction team as a formwork specialist, or you can become a formwork contractor who works independently as a contractor. In the latter case, you will need to invest in various types of formwork to be used on a job site, as well as transport vehicles to get the formwork to and from job sites. You will need to hire a crew, as this job will take many sets of hands, and you will need to learn how to operate any heavy machinery used in the installation process.