A professional who follows a trade in the cement industry could play a number of different roles in the laying and finishing of concrete. Some of the common titles in this profession include masons, finishers, and terrazzo finishers. All of these tradesmen and tradeswomen have roles in using concrete to create decks, patios, foundations for homes, and more. The work tied to cement industry jobs is physical and requires that professionals be outside in extreme weather conditions and at times exerting strength.
An individual who is interested in cement industry jobs may need to launch a career in the broader construction labor arena to learn the fundamentals of the business, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. A rookie worker might learn the trade from a more experienced professional under an informal training regimen. It is here that emerging tradesmen and tradeswomen learn about the different types of equipment involved with cement industry jobs. Compensation is often by the hour.
Cement masons are common roles in the cement industry. These tradesmen and tradeswomen are responsible for providing the finishing to concrete that has already been poured. Masons may finish the cement used in the foundation of a structure or on roads, highways, and driveways. Color can been applied to the cement with a tinting material.
The mason is involved in many stages of the concrete-laying process. From the early stages when the cement is being poured, a mason is there guiding other workers through the process. Cement must be poured into plastic or wood shells in order to create the desired shape. The workers who pour the concrete fulfill other cement industry jobs.
Masons and finishers are also involved with how the aesthetics of the cement turn out. There are different finishes that cement can have, ranging from a smooth surface to a more coarse look exposing small rock chips. Different tools are used to create the desired surface. Terrazzo workers may also contribute to this process. These tradesmen and tradeswomen use tools to expose marble in cement to create an attractive and shiny surface.
Typically, cement industry jobs command 40-hour workweeks, but there are exceptions. Given that timing is so important in the laying of concrete before it sets, different contracting teams may need to liaise with one another so that all of the different moving parts of the process come together. Also, although cement workers are exposed to harsh weather conditions, sometimes jobs may be delayed for extreme conditions.