How to Become a Stone Mason
Becoming a stone mason can be a rewarding choice for a person who loves the outdoors, is creative and enjoys planning beautiful spaces. A stone mason works in industrial, commercial and residential settings and outdoor spaces. Becoming a stone mason is a great way to earn a living while using math, science and other related areas.
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Things You'll Need
- Interest in the field of stone masonry
- Good grasp of math
- Ability to draw and sketch plans
- Physical stamina
Instructions
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1
Take as many high school math, sketching and shop classes as possible. Upon graduation these will be a great help in stone masonry.
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Graduate from high school and be at least 17 years of age.
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Consider additional vocational training after high school to learn the basics of stone masonry. Some high schools even offer post graduation vocational training.
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Research stone masonry companies in your area and ask if they take on assistants. Becoming an assistant means on the job training and usually starts with carrying supplies, tending the masons or doing whatever work is needed on the job sight.
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Contact your local stone mason union to learn about their apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships through the mason's union are different than assistant programs through individual shops.
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Apply for an apprenticeship. Most apprenticeship programs take around three years to complete.
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Complete the required 144 hours of classroom instruction in the areas of reading blueprints, layout drawing and math which are required by the apprenticeship program.
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Tips & Warnings
Becoming a stone mason's apprentice will get you down the road faster than if you become an assistant. Apprenticeship's usually last around three years, whereas it may take many more years to work your way up with an individual contractor or shop.
Becoming a stone mason takes a great deal of physical stamina. If you are not interested in being outside and doing manual labor, then stone masonry is not for you.
