View Video
Careers

Cribber

Specializes in setting forms often complete with the first floor joist and beam system. This is normally only the foundation work in the single family residential industry but can include the full framework of multi-family and commercial structures.

Who Am I?

Would you like to work with wood, styrofoam and concrete? Can you be precise and accurate in your work? Then, you could be a Cribber!

What do I do?

A Cribber is the name given to workers who build the foundations for single family and multi-family homes. Cribbers work mainly with concrete to build foundations for homes. Their involvement in the residential construction process comes very early. They are normally the second link in the construction chain, right after excavators. Cribbers build and assemble wooden or styrofoam forms and pour concrete into forms which becomes the home's foundation.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in this trade by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

However, you mainly learn on the job. Apprenticeship training is not available for this occupation.

Length of Program

Primarily on-the-job training in the residential industry. Full carpenrty certificate for structural frame forming.

How do I advance?

Cribbers generally learn on the job. They may know another trade, but generally learn about construction on the job. They work in crews, organized by the crew chief. They can advance by becoming a crew chief, a manager, who works with home building companies to plan and organize jobs, rates of pay and contracts for cribbing.

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $17.50 (Approximate, not including in benefits).

The amount Cribbers make depends on several factors. Cribbing crews may be paid on a per home basis. The crew chief and the homebuilder determine a price for the work to be done, and the crew is paid after a foundation is completed.

Where do I go from here?

Cribbers work in crews, organized by the crew chief. They can advance to crew chief or a manager who works with home building companies to plan and organize jobs, rates of pay and contracts for cribbing. If you decide you like residential building, you could take additional training to become a certified Carpenter, Concrete Finisher, or become certified in other construction trades.