PRINCIPLES OF MASONRY

Employment
Becoming a Mason

How much training is required?
In order to become a journeyman mason, one must complete an apprenticeship or other approved training program.  Apprenticeship programs combine “on-the-job” training with classroom instruction and can last from two to four years.  While tuition is usually charged for training, apprentices can “earn while they learn” at a rate of 50% to 90% of journeyman wages during their “on-the-job” training.  Also, most apprentices’ tuition is covered by their employing contractor, lowering their out-of-pocket expense.

How much money can be made?
The wages of the skilled mason are one of the highest in construction trades.  Often, a journeyman bricklayer will even earn more in wages than a college graduate!  As with all careers, though, wages depend on the area and employer.  The average wages for a journeyman brick mason working in Frederick County is $24.00/hour; Stone masons wages may vary from $25.00 – 45.00/hour.  Masons working in a metropolitan area such as Baltimore or Washington DC will make as much as $30.00/hour.

What about job security?
For many years now, mason contractors have been facing a shortage of skilled masons.  In fact, according to studies conducted by the United States Department of Labor, the entire construction industry, including masonry, will face a shortage of 1.2 million skilled workers by the year of 2007.  The masonry industry in Frederick County is in high demand; there are more jobs available than masons.  In addition, the skills of a mason can never be replaced by machine; so skilled masons can look forward to a lucrative career for years to come throughout the United States.

How do I become a mason?
To get a head start on becoming a mason, you may enroll in the Masonry Program at CTC.  What is the process to attend CTC?

• Contact your Guidance Counselor to arrange a shadow visit
• Shadow the Masonry Program
• Complete the Career & Technology Center’s student application for the Masonry Program
• Hand in your application to your Guidance Counselor ASAP

Your Counselor will forward your application to CTC for the acceptance process