A shutterhand is a skilled worker primarily involved in creating, assembling, and disassembling temporary molds (formwork) used to shape poured concrete in construction projects[1]. They play a vital role in ensuring concrete structures meet the design’s shape, size, and strength specifications.
Main duties of a shutterhand include:
- Reading and interpreting working plans and engineering drawings to understand formwork requirements for various concrete structures
- Setting out the work from these instructions, marking dimensions and layouts on-site
- Building, installing, aligning, and securing formwork (shuttering) for foundations, columns, beams, walls, staircases, slabs, and other structural elements using materials such as timber, plywood, or metal
- Erecting and dismantling conventional and system formwork as specified
- Fabricating custom timber shuttering as required for particular shapes or complex projects
- Placing the finished formwork in position, ready for concrete pouring, ensuring proper support and stability
- Assisting in pouring, vibrating, and curing concrete while monitoring the integrity of the formwork during these processes
- Removing the shuttering once the concrete has sufficiently set, checking for defects, and patching or grouting as needed
- Complying with all health and safety requirements, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and operating safely on-site
- Housekeeping, including daily cleaning up and ensuring all activities are completed and areas are safely secured at the end of each shift
- Participating in risk assessments and reporting hazards to ensure workplace safety compliance
- Requesting, storing, and managing materials efficiently
Key skills and requirements:
- Sound knowledge in concrete, shuttering, scaffolding, and formwork systems
- Ability to use hand and power tools (such as measuring tapes, plumb-bobs, and squares) to ensure accuracy
- Physical fitness and willingness to work at heights and in varying outdoor conditions
- Basic understanding of site safety protocols, accident, and emergency procedures
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
Working environment:
- Shutterhands are typically employed on construction sites or in pre-cast concrete plants
- They may work standard 40–45-hour weeks but sometimes need to work overtime to meet project deadlines or during emergencies
- The job can require travel to different sites and involves working in noisy and dusty environments, sometimes outdoors in adverse weather
Career progression and training:
- Entry-level roles may not require formal qualifications, as training is often provided on the job or through learnerships and skills programs
- Progression is usually from entry-level (Shutterhand Grade III), advancing through experience and additional competencies to higher grades (Grade II and Grade I/artisan), supervisory roles, and eventually to foreman positions[1][3]
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