Stonemason

Stone masonry is one of the oldest trades in the construction industry, dating back to the Hellenistic world. For a creative person who loves working outdoors, becoming a stonemason is a very rewarding choice. Stonemasons work almost entirely outdoors, and often design and construct their own projects. This can be in either a commercial, residential, or industrial setting.

Education

Like many other trades, becoming a stonemason does not require a college degree. You do require a high school diploma however, and will want to take as many sketching, shop, and math classes as possible. These will form the foundation of your stone masonry career. From there, you have two options. You can try to find a technical college that offers a stone masonry apprenticeship program (https://www.masonryassocga.com/apprenticeship.php). This is generally 3-4 years in length and includes at least 144 hours of classroom learning, where you will learn math, layout drawing, and how to read blueprints. The other option is to find an employer that is looking for an apprentice stonemason. In Wisconsin, for example (https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/trades/bricklayer.htm), there is a 3 year training program which provides 4680 hours of on the job training and 400 hours of paid instruction. Neither option is necessarily better than the other. It comes down to personal preference and what is available to you in your area.

Job Description

Stonemasons work almost exclusively with stone. This ranges from laying it to cutting it to renovating it. They may be asked to construct stone fireplaces, arches, walls and stairs. They will often have to shape and cut the stone using hand or machine tools. They may install stone benches in bathrooms or kitchens, or design and carve large stones such as headstones. Sometimes stonemasons do concrete work, or lay marble floor tiles, pavers, or install granite. Some stonemasons even repair and replace stonework on old monuments, churches and buildings. Many stonemasons get the chance to design their own work (based on what the home owner or company wants), before installing their finished product. Stonemasons may also install or apply damp proofing and waterproofing for stonemasonry. Partition walls and flagstone walkways are other examples of what a stonemason may be required to install. They are skilled craftsmen who work with stone for the purposes of construction.

Pros & Cons

No college degree is necessary to become a stonemason. Instead, you learn and develop your skills on the job. Most apprenticeship programs are paid, meaning you can make money while you learn. There are over 40 000 jobs projected for the upcoming decade, so there are numerous potential job opportunities. You can also be self-employed, meaning you create your own schedule and work your own hours. You may have the chance to earn more by working longer hours if you desire. Stone masonry is a labour intensive job however, and requires great physical strength and conditioning. As such, there is a stronger chance for a work related injury or accident than there is at other jobs. Physical labour also takes a toll on your body, which could result in chronic pain later in life. As a stonemason, you will work almost exclusively outside regardless of the weather. Thus, you may be working in the cold, rain, or heat.