Best Mason Apprenticeship Programs and Training

Best Mason Apprenticeship Programs and Training. Many people who desire to work as masons ponder on things like, “Why become a brick mason? Where can I find out about bricklaying? In that sense, we’ll go over everything you need to know to succeed as a brick mason. There are many different occupations available in the trade of masonry. if you’re more interested in physically demanding jobs, outdoor employment would be more of interest to you.

You will be able to identify the specific school of your choice that best fits your knowledge after reading this article. So just follow along with us while we explore, and you’ll have fun. Many people who desire to work as masons ponder things like, “Why become a brick mason? Where can I find out about bricklaying? In that sense, we’ll go over everything you need to know to succeed as a brick mason. Take a brief glance at the table of contents below before we explain Masonry and what a mason is.

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Who is a Mason?

A mason, often known as a bricklayer, is a skilled tradesperson who lays stones, bricks, cinder blocks, or other similar materials to create masonry. In actuality, a mason’s common tasks include:

• Reading blueprints or drawings to calculate materials needed
• Laying out patterns, forms, or foundations according to plans
• Breaking or cutting materials to the required size
• Mixing mortar or grout and spread it onto a slab or foundation
• Cleaning excess mortar with trowels and other hand tools
• Constructing corners with a corner pole or by building a corner pyramid
• Aligning structures vertically and horizontally, using levels and plumbs
• Cleaning and polishing surfaces with hand or power tools
• Filling expansion joints with the appropriate caulking materials

How long does it take to become a Mason?

It takes three to four years to finish a masonry apprenticeship if you want to become a mason. Apprentices can start working as “journeyman masons” after completing their training. While journeyman masons might stay employed with the company that helped them complete their apprenticeship, some find new jobs through their union or by responding to job advertisements in that field.

One of the finest methods to become a mason is through apprenticeship programmes. Also, potential apprentices might need to pass an aptitude exam. However, being a Mason involves completing a comprehensive Eight Stage training programme, according to the National Center of Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This training typically consists of 432 hours of pertinent lecture and lab time.

How much does a Mason earn?

Interestingly, in May 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reported that masonry employees earned an average salary of $44,810 per month. Moreover, masonry employees’ median yearly salaries in May 2019 were as follows:

• Terrazzo workers and finishers               –  $42,500
• Stonemasons                                       –  $41,220
• Brickmasons and blockmasons               –  $50,950
• Cement masons and concrete finishers   –  $43,000

What Is The Job Growth For Masons?

Masons’ employment is predicted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase by 10% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. More schools, hospitals, apartment complexes, and other structures (many of which are made of brick and blocks) will be built as a result of population increase. Masons will also be required to restore an increasing number of other types of brick structures. Brick exteriors are still preferred even though they are pricey, demonstrating a desire for long-lasting and low-maintenance exterior materials.

Where Can I Work As A Mason?

The following are the highest ranked employers of masonry workers:

• Poured concrete foundation and structure contractors  –  26%
• Masonry contractors                                                  –  21%
• Construction of buildings                                           –  11%
• Self-employed workers                                              –  11%
• Heavy and civil engineering construction                     –  7%

How Much Does It Cost To Study Mason?

Three to four-year apprenticeship programmes provide in-depth instruction. A technical college or a vocational school should thus be attended by pupils initially. It takes roughly one to two years to finish this. And this ranges from $1,200 to $9,000. After that, you enrol in a masonry apprenticeship course. While some of these are cost-free, others might go as much as $1,750.

Brick Mason Vs Brick Layer

Despite the fact that they are connected, a bricklayer and a mason have separate jobs. Brick Masons build or repair walls, arches, chimneys, fireplaces, and other structures using bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and similar materials in accordance with blueprints and specifications, while bricklayers typically concentrate on building with clay or concrete bricks and blocks. This is according to NOC code 7281. Yet, masonry is a specialised vocation that involves the cutting and shaping of stones and stonework, whereas bricklaying is a subset of masonry and is thought to be a “lower” kind of masonry. Masonry in its most basic form is bricklaying.

Are certifications or licensure requirements needed to become a Mason?

A licence is normally needed for a mason who operates a company and works directly with customers, and if a project exceeds a particular threshold in cost, subcontractors working on it may also need a licence. The state determines this sum. You must pass a licencing exam, present financial records, offer references, and produce evidence of insurance in order to obtain a contractor or subcontractor licence.

Best Mason Apprentice Programs

1. Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Training Center

Pre-Apprentices who are interested in entering the trades can prepare themselves with the BAC Pre Job, a 6-week training programme. After completing this career preparedness programme, we want you to be ready to enter the workforce. As a result, this apprenticeship prepares you to become an apprentice. To enrol in the BAC apprenticeship programme:

• candidates must be in excellent physical shape and be able to repeatedly lift 50 lbs at waist height; and
• every candidate must possess a current MN driver’s licence and/or a trustworthy mode of transportation.

2. Virginia Masonry Association

For anyone who are interested in learning the masonry trade, the Virginia Masonry Association Apprenticeship Program provides useful information. They are then engaged by contractor members after that. In essence, apprentices will attend lessons at night and work throughout the day.

So, for five 18-week semesters, VMA’s Apprentices attend classes one evening each week supplied by VMA. Possibilities for advancement to Journeyman Bricklayer exist once Apprentices have finished the relevant coursework, competencies, and performance tasks. Certificates from the nationally renowned Department of Labor and Industry and the VMA will be given upon satisfactory completion of the apprenticeship programme.

You could prefer a job in masonry sales or as an estimator if you appreciate a range of responsibilities and love collaborating with other trade experts. In spite of this, every mason has the chance to create their own firm; in fact, the majority of masonry business owners began their careers as masons. This mason apprenticeship programme gives you the skills and information necessary for a career in masonry anywhere in the United States, regardless of the professional path you select. Masonry gives you the satisfaction of creating a long-lasting structure with your own hands.

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3. Conestoga

This three-level curriculum is intended to give the apprentice the theoretical understanding of every facet of masonry, brick, and stonework as well as the practical instruction required to supplement their on-the-job training. A Masonry Techniques – Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate is awarded to the program’s graduate upon completion. The requirements for admission for this programme are as follows:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
• Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) and must be a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

4. Madison Area Technical College

A public technical and community college with its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin is called Madison Area Technical College (Madison College). Here, you may learn how to lay bricks, point brick walls, clean them, waterproof them, cut them, and fireproof them. You can also learn how to cut, lay, and point cement blocks, glaze tiles, and assemble precast panels.

5. Masonry Association of Florida

The masonry sector has several advantages to offer, starting with career growth potential, employment security, compensated training, and financial stability. The task of masonry offers a space for both creativity and analysis, a sense of pride in one’s work, and professional freedom. The potential are endless and, most significantly, masonry is a durable skill that promises to be profitable well into the future.

The MAF has created state-registered masonry apprenticeship requirements, and all Florida state programmes that participate in them. The curriculum emphasises fundamental masonry skills and combines classroom learning with practical experience. To be eligible for this programme, which is free, students must work full-time for a business who is a part of it.

6. Ontario Mason Training Centre

At the Ontario Mason Training Center, they:

• support your teacher and you in locating your masonry co-op employment placement.
• give you free access to the first phase of in-person instruction (8 weeks full time); and
• make you to begin your training either in March or May.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is further provided (OYAP). Via the Cooperative Education programme, this school-to-work initiative gives students the opportunity to investigate and begin working in apprenticeship vocations as early as grade 11 or grade 12. While pursuing their secondary school degrees, students have the chance to enrol as apprentices and progress towards becoming qualified journeypersons in a specialised profession.

7. Michigan Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Training Center

The top apprenticeship school for masonry sciences in the Lansing region is the Bricklayers and Associated Trades Workers Union 2 Lansing Training Center. In essence, they continue to be committed to educating the upcoming generation of construction professionals in order to preserve the time-honored trade of high-quality masonry.

Also, they are dedicated to teaching our pupils the latest cutting-edge masonry technologies, safety protocols, and bricklaying skills. Also, they represent every aspect of the masonry sciences, including brick and block, stone, cement, plaster, pointing, cleaning, and caulking (for restoration and preservation), refractory, tile, marble, and terrazzo.

8. Algonguin College

A Brick Stone Mason Pre-apprenticeship programme is available at Algonguin College. This 34-week pre-apprenticeship programme for brick and stone masons includes classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory practise, including restoration masonry, and an on-the-job work placement. The phases of delivery for this programme at the Perth Campus are as follows:

• 6-weeks of in-class to get familiar with the masonry program and prepare for job readiness in this field.
• 12-weeks of Brick & Stone Mason apprenticeship in-class and in-lab practical experience, including lectures from industry representatives and site visits.
• 6-weeks of restoration techniques and heritage stonemasonry practiced in a shop environment and in fieldwork projects.
• 8-week paid work placement in a masonry environment.
• Graduation ceremony and program wrap-up the final 2 weeks.

9. AZ Masonry Contractors Association

Via supervised, on-the-job learning, and pertinent theoretical classroom and lab education, the apprenticeship programme at AMCA incorporates both theories and practises. This is a tried-and-true process that enables businesses to determine the levels of competence expected of their experts. Under the guidance of an experienced mentor, apprentices in this programme undergo organised instruction. They get income when they acquire new and enhanced talents that will make them more marketable. Having a progressive pay plan ensures that they get raises every six months (based on performance reviews).

After completing this three-year programme, apprentices receive credentials for Journeyman status that are nationally recognised. As a result of the higher level of craftsmanship, employers have more happy clients. For the company’s future needs, a pool of talented individuals becomes available, and their workforce becomes more adaptable due to better skill diversity.

10. Masonry Association of Georgia

With a three-year masonry apprenticeship training programme that is registered with the Georgia Department of Labor, Association Members are committed to educating our future workforce. An eight-stage competency-based training programme called apprenticeship consists of 432 hours of relevant classroom and lab time. You must complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) with your participating company before the Georgia Department of Labor can certify you.

The associated training lasts for six semesters. Every year, you’ll enrol in two semesters. The program’s three stages can be finished by apprentices during the first and second years, and two stages can be finished during the third year. The National Center of Construction Education and Research prepared the course material (NCCER). The course material will include safe and effective methods for working with bricks and blocks, erecting walls, composing and mixing mortar, using tools and equipment, using speciality items, using prefabricated concrete products, using stone, and interpreting blueprints. These are only a few of the areas in which you will be trained.

11. Florida Masonry Apprentice and Education Foundation, Inc

Since 2002, the FMAEF has been an authorised Training Sponsor (ATS) for NCCER. The school has supported more than 100 post-secondary and high school programmes, as well as initiatives in juvenile justice, youth development, department of corrections, and other re-entry initiatives. In essence, this training institution was established to introduce new apprenticeship programmes, extend current ones, and provide instruction for the masonry sector. Presently, the state has ten (100) apprentice programmes operating with roughly 200 apprentices enrolled in each.

Conclusion

A job in masonry is actually a good choice. It needs both technological innovation and extremely significant creativity. These experts have a variety of employment options. Jobs for graduates of training programmes in masonry are highly sought after. A good mason may anticipate a career for years to come because a machine can never replace their talents.

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