Stonemasons
Stonemasons build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. They lay walks, curbstones, or special types of masonry for vats, tanks, and floors.
Stonemasons are skilled individuals who cut, shape and lay stones to create commercial and artistic structures using specialized tools. These structures can include buildings, tombstones, monuments, cathedrals, etc.
To qualify to get stonemason jobs, one must have a high school diploma. In addition, they must have completed a stonemason’s apprenticeship at an accredited trade school consisting of three years of on-the-job training combined with classroom instructions. On the job, apprentices are taught to use the materials. In stonemason jobs, they are taught blueprint reading, mathematics and other subjects relating to the position. Stonemasons’ applicants must be physically strong and move heavy objects.
There are certain skills required by individuals trying to pursue a career in this field, including critical thinking, complex problem solving, coordination, monitoring, and management of personnel resources.
The wage of apprentices is usually half of what is paid to experienced stonemasons. Their wages increase as they progress through their training.
As stonemason work environment is generally outdoors and relatively hazardous, hard hats and caution are extremely important.
As stonemasons increase experience and skills in drawing, design, and accurate calculations in this job, they advance to become supervisors and contractors for other stonemasons.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Mason-Building Constructor
- NSQF Level 1 Helper Mason
Tasks
- Lay out wall patterns or foundations, using straight edge, rule, or staked lines.
- Shape, trim, face and cut marble or stone preparatory to setting, using power saws, cutting equipment, and hand tools.
- Set vertical and horizontal alignment of structures, using plumb bob, gauge line, and level.
- Mix mortar or grout and pour or spread mortar or grout on marble slabs, stone, or foundation.
- Remove wedges, fill joints between stones, finish joints between stones, using a trowel, and smooth the mortar to an attractive finish, using a tuck pointer.
- Set stone or marble in place, according to layout or pattern.
- Clean excess mortar or grout from surface of marble, stone, or monument, using sponge, brush, water, or acid.
- Lay brick to build shells of chimneys and smokestacks or to line or reline industrial furnaces, kilns, boilers and similar installations.
- Replace broken or missing masonry units in walls or floors.
- Smooth, polish, and bevel surfaces, using hand tools and power tools.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.