Mason Career

A brick mason lays bricks, concrete blocks, tiles, marbles and other related materials using trowels, Chisels and other tools and implements. A brick mason works under the supervision of a foreman or a contractor depending on the industry and the job at hand. This job requires a certain degree of creativity and latitude. Most of mason work is performed outside and usually involves heavy lifting, working and on scaffolding

How to Become a Mason

A high job growth has been foreseen in the masonry industry in the coming years. To secure a place in the industry, you don’t really require formal education and majority of masons in the industry learn from experience. Another point to note is that most masons are self employed or work on contracts depending on the project at hand. To be an apprentice, you may find an opening through local contractors, trade association or unions. Here, you will gain hand-on skills on masonry but it may also be benefitting to attend coursework on blueprints, drawing, layout and math.

Types, Description, Information

If you hold a high school diploma, you may complete an apprenticeship program in 2 or 3 years doing transporting work, assisting masons, mixing mortars, laying stones or scaffolding. You must familiarize yourself with standard concepts, procedures and practices applicable on construction sites to qualify. This field of work, just like any other, has a professional ladder that experienced and professional masons can climb as they gain more and more skills, experience and master the art. One may be a supervisor, senior mason or assistant overseer.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

Applicants to this field must be at least seventeen years of age and must be physically fit. As much as no formal school is demanded, a high school diploma or equivalent with classes in math, drawing, craft materials and art recommended.

Schools, Colleges, Universities

One may attend vocational training institutes which provide professional and comprehensive training on specific fields.

1. Northeast Kansas technical Institute
2. Pima community college, Tucson, AZ
3. Spenserian college, Lexington, KY
4. Admiral Peary Vocational training school
5. Alabama southern community college

Job opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment

The number of new masonry jobs in the market is expected to increase at a rate of 8.4% through 2012. This is due to rising population, which requires more houses, schools, clinics etc. Most masons are paid per hour worked. Majority of masons make between approximately $17 and $27 an hour. In 2008, the median in the masons’ earnings was $22. The lowest paid apprentices and interns at times take home less than $12 while the highest masons earn over $40 an hour. On average the pay is $54,000 per year.