Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons

Being brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons means being able to work and produce durable as well as attractive structures and surfaces. The work ranges from complex to basic. Brickmasons and blockmasons (bricklayers) are responsible for repairing and building chimneys, fireplaces, partitions, floors, walls, and others with masonry materials such as concrete block, precast masonry panels, brick, and others. Stonemasons are individuals responsible for building stone walls, stone floors, and stone exteriors. Stonemasons work with natural cut stone (limestone, granite, marble) and artificial stone (marble chips, concrete).

Outdoors is where brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons are usually found. These days, winter does not hamper work due to improved equipment. Physical strains are involved in this job such as heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, and standing. Work hazards involved are scaffold accidents and too injuries. There are, however, lots of safety procedures and equipment imposed.

Usually, brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons learn their trade through informal training—observation, learning from experts. Industry based programs and vocational schools are also available to give training. An apprenticeship program also exists for learning this trade and is considered more thorough. The knowledge of mechanical drawing, geometry, and algebra are necessary in becoming brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons.

Usually, this job starts out as being mason tenders, laborers, or helpers. It is all about mixing mortar, moving scaffolds, and carrying materials. Every opportunity to learn more of the craft should be taken. If the training is industry based, 2 to 4 years are expected to be the training period. If its apprenticeship, it may take a lot longer. There are many who sponsor apprenticeship programs—union-management communities based locally, trade associations, local contractors. Subjects tackled in training include sketching, lay-out work, mathematics, and blueprint reading.

Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons job opportunities are plenty. Most of these people are self-employed. The next decade will see numerous retirements thus an increase in the demand for masonry services. The jobs would be increasing averagely fast. This job is of course sensitive to economic changes. If there is a decrease in the construction level, then it is not unusual to have a lot of brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons to be unemployed.

The earnings for brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons can be lowered if there is bad weather and limited work time. Apprentices will be earning about half of what the more experienced ones are earning. Of course, once the apprentice learns more skills, and obtain more experience then the pay will increase.