How to Hire a Concrete Finisher in Canada?

4. Job Interview

After the resume screening stage, we invite the candidates to participate in a vis-à-vis interview with our professional recruiters. This interview allows us to gauge their skills and qualifications as top-notch concrete finishers more accurately.

The following include some of the questions we typically ask when hiring concrete finishers:

General Questions:

• Can you provide an overview of your experience in concrete finishing?
• What motivated you to pursue a career as a concrete finisher?
• How do you prioritize safety on the job site?
• Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered in a previous project and how you resolved it?
• How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Technical Questions:

• What concrete finishing techniques are you most experienced in?
• How do you ensure a smooth and level finish on concrete surfaces?
• What tools and equipment are essential for concrete finishing, and how proficient are you in using them?
• Can you explain the process of curing and sealing concrete after finishing?
• Have you worked with specialized concrete finishes, such as decorative or stamped concrete? If so, please provide examples of your work.

5. Checking References

Gathering further information about the concrete finishing candidates’ work history, skills, and professional conduct, Hookjobs finds reference checking an integral part of the hiring process.

Here’s how we typically approach checking references for hiring a concrete finisher:

• Request for references: We ask the concrete finishing candidate to provide a list of professional references who can speak to their skills, experience, work ethic, and performance as a concrete finisher. Ideally, these references should be individuals who have directly supervised or worked closely with the candidate in previous concrete finishing projects.
• Contacting references: We reach out to the provided references via phone or email to schedule a reference check. During this conversation, we ensure confidentiality and explain the purpose of the call, seeking honest feedback about the concrete finishing candidate’s performance and suitability for the position.
• Key questions: We prepare specific questions to ask the references, tailored to the requirements of the concrete finisher role and your company’s expectations. These questions may cover areas such as the candidate’s technical skills, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, teamwork, and communication.
• Verifying information: We validate the information provided by the concrete finishing candidate, such as their job title, responsibilities, duration of employment, and overall performance. This helps to ensure accuracy and assess the candidate’s credibility.
• Probing for strengths and areas of improvement: We inquire about the applicants’ strengths and areas where they may need further development as a concrete finisher. This provides valuable insights into how the candidate can contribute to your company’s projects and whether they have the potential to grow in the role.
• Documenting feedback: We take detailed notes during the reference check to document the feedback provided by each reference. This information helps us comprehensively assess the candidate’s abilities and suitability for the concrete finisher position.
• Reporting the results: We finally prepare a comprehensive report of the recorded information gathered from the references and share it with you.

6. Assessing the Concrete Finisher Candidates

After checking references, we assess the concrete finishing applicants’ skills in real-world scenarios. To comprehensively evaluate their concrete finishing proficiency, we administer the following assessments:

• Practical demonstrations: We organize practical sessions where concrete finishing applicants can showcase their concrete finishing skills. We may ask them to demonstrate concrete pouring, levelling, smoothing, and finishing techniques. This allows us to observe their expertise, attention to detail, and ability to produce high-quality finishes.
• Problem-solving exercises: We present applicants with hypothetical or real-life scenarios that require them to apply their concrete finishing knowledge and problem-solving abilities. These exercises help us assess their ability to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and implement appropriate solutions in various concrete finishing challenges.
• Blueprint interpretation: We assess concrete finishing applicants’ ability to read and interpret construction blueprints or plans related to concrete finishing. This helps us evaluate their understanding of project requirements, dimensions, and specifications, which is essential for accurately executing concrete finishing tasks.
• Knowledge-based assessments: We administer written or online assessments to evaluate applicants’ theoretical knowledge of concrete finishing. These assessments may cover topics such as concrete types, mixing ratios, curing processes, different finishing techniques, and safety regulations. This helps gauge their understanding of foundational concepts and industry best practices.
• Quality control and inspection exercises: We simulate scenarios where candidates must assess the quality of finished concrete surfaces, identify imperfections or defects, and recommend appropriate corrective actions. This evaluates their attention to detail, ability to maintain high-quality standards and knowledge of industry guidelines.
• Time management and organization: Concrete finishing projects often have strict deadlines. We assess concrete finishing candidates’ ability to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet project timelines without compromising quality.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Concrete finishing often involves working as a team. We, therefore, assess the candidates’ ability to collaborate with others, share responsibilities, and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.

7. Training the Concrete finishers

After the evaluation stage, we select the most qualified concrete finishing candidates. Subsequently, we offer customized hands-on training to ensure they are well-equipped to meet your company’s specific requirements and excel in their role as concrete finishers.

Our trainers at Hookjobs train the concrete finishing candidates while focusing on the following techniques:

• Advanced concrete finishing techniques: Our trainers cover the latest advancements in concrete finishing techniques, including innovative methods for achieving desired textures, patterns, and finishes. We instruct the concrete finishers the techniques such as decorative concrete, polished concrete, and specialized surface treatments.
• Customized company-specific requirements: We ensure the training program is tailored to your company’s specific needs. Our trainers familiarize the candidates with your preferred materials, tools, and quality standards, enabling them to align their skills and techniques accordingly.
• Environmental considerations: We accentuate the significance of environmentally friendly practices in concrete finishing. We train the concrete finishing candidates on sustainable approaches, such as using eco-friendly concrete mixes, reducing waste, and incorporating recycling methods in their work.
• Advanced equipment and technology: Our trainers provide hands-on training on the latest equipment, machinery, and technological advancements in the concrete finishing industry. This includes training candidates on using power trowels, laser screeds, concrete dyes, and other advanced tools to achieve precise and efficient results.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting: The training program enhances the candidates’ problem-solving skills. They learn to identify and address common issues during the concrete finishing process, such as uneven surfaces, discolouration, or curing problems.
• Safety and regulatory compliance: While the concrete finishing candidates are already professional concrete finishers, our training reinforces the importance of safety practices and compliance with industry regulations. We update their knowledge of the latest safety standards and ensure they are well informed about any new regulations or requirements specific to your company.

8. Drawing up a Contract

Once the training sessions are complete, we ask the selected concrete finishing candidates to participate in a session to sign the employment contract.

Here are some points we consider when drawing up a contract with the prospective concrete finishers:

• Position and responsibilities: We clearly outline the position of the concrete finisher and provide a detailed description of their responsibilities and duties within your company. This includes specific tasks related to concrete finishing, such as surface preparation, application of finishes, and quality control.
• Employment terms: We specify the employment terms, including the duration of employment, whether it is a full-time or part-time position, and any probationary period, if applicable. We also outline the working hours, shift schedules, and any overtime or on-call requirements.
• Compensation and benefits: We clearly state the agreed-upon salary or hourly rate for the concrete finisher position. We also include details of any additional benefits or allowances, such as health insurance, vacation days, retirement plans, or other perks provided by your company.
• Confidentiality and non-disclosure: To protect your company’s interests, we may include clauses as to confidentiality and non-disclosure of sensitive information. This ensures that the concrete finishers maintain the confidentiality of proprietary techniques, client information, and any other confidential materials they may encounter during their employment.
• Termination and notice period: We outline the terms and conditions for termination of employment, including notice periods required by you and the employee. We also specify the grounds for termination, such as breach of contract, unsatisfactory performance, or violation of company policies.
• Health and safety: We also include a section on health and safety, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations while performing concrete finishing tasks. It highlights the concrete finishing employee’s responsibility to promptly maintain a safe working environment and report any safety concerns or incidents.
• Dispute resolution: The contract may also contain provisions for resolving disputes or conflicts that may arise during the course of employment. This may include methods such as mediation or arbitration to ensure a fair and amicable resolution.
• Governing law: We specify the applicable governing law that will govern the employment agreement, ensuring legal compliance and adherence to the jurisdiction’s relevant regulations and labour laws.

Labour Laws and Regulations for Hiring a Concrete finisher in Canada

When hiring a concrete finisher in Canada, it is essential to comply with the relevant labour laws and regulations to ensure fair and lawful employment practices.

Here are some key labor laws and regulations to consider:

1. Employment standards: Each Canadian province and territory has its own employment standards legislation that sets out minimum standards for areas such as wages, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation entitlements, and statutory holidays. Familiarize yourself with the specific employment standards applicable in the province where the concrete finisher will be employed.
2. Minimum wage: Ensure that you are paying the concrete finisher at least the minimum wage set by the provincial or territorial government. Minimum wage rates can vary between provinces and may be subject to periodic adjustments.
3. Occupational health and safety: Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Comply with occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including providing necessary training, safety equipment, and procedures to mitigate workplace hazards.
4. Workers’ compensation: Register with the appropriate workers’ compensation board or commission in your province. This ensures that workers’ compensation insurance covers the concrete finisher in case of workplace injuries or illnesses.
5. Employment equity and anti-discrimination: Adhere to laws that promote employment equity and prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on factors such as race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Treat all concrete finishing employees fairly and ensure equal opportunities for employment and advancement.
6. Privacy and confidentiality: Respect the privacy rights of the concrete finishers and comply with privacy legislation governing the collection, use, and protection of personal information. Safeguard any confidential or sensitive information obtained during the employment relationship.
7. Termination and severance: Understand the rules and requirements for termination and severance pay as outlined in the applicable provincial or territorial employment standards legislation. Follow proper procedures when terminating an employment contract to avoid potential legal issues.

What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Concrete Finisher in Canada?

The average wage for hiring a concrete finisher in Canada can vary depending on location, experience level, industry demand, and the responsibilities associated with the role. However, a concrete finisher in Canada typically earns $58,500 per year ($30 per hour), with less experienced concrete finishers earning $50,700 per year and more experienced ones making $66,300 per year.

The average wage for concrete finisher hiring in Canada can vary from province to province. The following table illustrates the average wages in different provinces in Canada:

Different Types of Concrete Finishers that we Hire in Canada

In Canada, we hire different types of concrete finishers based on your construction industry’s specific requirements and operations. Here are some common types of concrete finishers that we employ: