Masons are responsible for constructing buildings, floors and walls using stone, block or brick. When working on a building, brick masons began at corner section, lay out a section of mortar and then start setting out a line of brick. These have to be set with precision and straight according to the building’s blueprint using a trowel. If a brick has to be cut to fit, a hammer and chisel or a saw is used to make it the right size. This is important around areas servings as entrances or openings. They then complete the work by finishing off the mortar edges. Other structures may require the building of an arch.

Those working as stone masons construct walls, floors and exteriors on buildings and homes. They work with a variety of natural stone such as granite and limestone, or artificial type stone that is made out of concrete and other materials. The stone mason utilizes specialized tools for cutting and shaping the stone, of which are set in place based on a drawing with numbered positions. They may also add brackets to the stones, which helps to secure them to each other. Once they have been sat, they use a special cleaning solution to make the surface stain free and at its best. These workers also repair structures made of brick or stone and repair cracks and other imperfections that may appear over time. Block masons, using tools similar to a brick mason, set concrete blocks in place for foundations that will support buildings and residential homes.

Individuals entering this profession must be able to work outdoors in various kinds of weather along with having good strength and endurance. They will face such safety hazards as working at heights and with various tools that may cause injury if safety precautions are not observed. Their normal work week is around 40 hours, but can vary according to the time of year and need for new construction.


Masonry Course Curricula

Level One: Introduces the trainees to the historic and current materials and processes used in the masonry trade. Covers safety concerns, specific to the trade. Describes the hand, power tools, and equipment used in mixing mortar and in cutting, laying, and finishing masonry units. Guides trainees in using mathematics to calculate distances, areas, and volumes common in masonry work. Explains the types and properties of mortar and the materials used in the mixture. Covers all types of concrete and clay masonry units and their applications.

Level Two: Covers information the mason will need to work with residential plans and construction drawings and be able to convert that information into action on the job. Covers the construction techniques for residential and small structure foundations, steps and patios, decks and chimneys and fireplaces. Focus on the use of grout and other types of reinforcement such as reinforcing steel to strengthen and support masonry structures.

Level Three: Describes activities involved in organizing and implementing the construction high-rise buildings. Describes the many specialized materials and techniques used in the masonry trade. Explains the common problems that appear in masonry structures and describes various techniques that can be used to fix them. Provides information about the format and content of commercial drawings. Covers the basic procedures for doing takeoffs and estimating quantities of masonry material and accessories. Covers the principals, equipment, and methods used to perform the site layout task of distance and measurement and differential leveling. Covers basic project planning and scheduling techniques as well as coordination and communication of work assignments to masonry work and crews and other trades and crafts.