Women interested in obtaining entry-level work as bricklayers and stone mason helpers can obtain the required skills by observing and learning from experienced workers.
However, to advance in the field and learn safety procedures, women would need to participate in a vocational education program, such as an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs offer thorough training, which includes three to five years of on-the-job training and a minimum 144 hours of classroom instruction each year in subjects such as blueprint reading, mathematics, layout work, and sketching. Apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by local contractors or local union-management committees, and must be federally registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Apprentices often start by working as laborers, carrying materials, mixing mortar, and building scaffolds. During this period, which generally lasts about a month, the apprentices becomes familiar with job routines and materials. Next, they learn to lay, align, and join brick and block. Apprentices also learn to work with stone and concrete. This enables them to be certified to work with more than one masonry material.
Applicants for apprenticeships must be at least 17 years old and in good physical condition. A high school education is preferable, and courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop are helpful but not required.
Women who are experienced bricklayers or stone masons can increase their skills by participating in skills training for specialized brick or masonry craft (e.g., terazzo). Such training is offered by the national union. Experienced women bricklayers and masons may also enroll in cross-training to learn about related crafts (e.g., welding). Many local unions offer such training. See a sample career ladder below for a bricklayer/stone mason.
Training Programs Near You
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Data Sources:
- U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers
- International Masonry Institute
- Women working as bricklayers and stone masons, industry employers, and unions.
