stonemason

The work

Stonemasons prepare, cut, trim and fix stone and blocks for a variety of purposes including the repair and maintenance of historical buildings and monuments; the production of architectural features such as window frames, lintels, archways and ornamental garden pieces; cladding for new-build construction projects; and the creation of memorial headstones for the funeral sector. Stonemasons work with a range of materials such as sandstone, slate, marble and granite.

There are two main roles:

• banker masons cut and shape stonework with a range of hand and power tools, working from templates and moulds, to give it a textured or polished finish (dressing), in accordance with design plans; they may also be involved in carving figures, lettering or patternwork
  
  
• fixer masons work on site, setting out and bedding down the pre-prepared stone or cladding with mortar or specialist fixings, following architects' blueprints; they also deal with the repair of existing stonework.

Hours and Environment

Stonemasons normally work a 39-hour week. Overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines.

Banker masons are based mainly in workshops, which can be noisy and dusty. Personal protective equipment is often used, such as masks, ear defenders and goggles. Fixer masons work outdoors in all weathers on building sites, often at heights on scaffolding. The work can be physically demanding, lifting and carrying heavy materials and equipment.

Some travel, possibly with long or short stays away from home is involved, so a driving licence is useful.

Skills and Interests

To be a stonemason you should:

• be able to follow architectural plans and drawings
• be able to work carefully and methodically
• be able to make accurate measurements
• have good co-ordination and manual skills for cutting, shaping and fixing stone
• have creative skills for decorative aspects of the work
• be comfortable working at heights if intending to work as a fixer mason
• be aware of health and safety issues
• be able to work well as part of a team
• be physically fit.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, then you may want to consider working as a labourer to gain site experience. Once working, the employer may be willing to offer you training in stonemasonry (see Training section below).

You can take college courses, such as the Intermediate/Advanced Construction Award (Stonemasonry), which can teach you some of the skills needed for the job but employers may still want to see some experience. Check with your local colleges for details. 

A common route for young people is to train as a construction apprentice. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contacts). To be eligible, you may need some GCSEs/S grades in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications such as Edexcel Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction.

ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications in Further Information; and the Equal Opportunities Commission is promoting the construction trades as a career option for women through its Know Your Place campaign.

Training

Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ/SVQ qualifications. You work towards NVQs/SVQs in Stonemasonry at levels 2 and 3.

Mandatory units include the preparation of materials and the work area, followed by optional units for:

• Mason (banker) – preparing masonry moulds, templates and materials
• Mason (fixer) – setting out, building and repairing masonry structures
• Marble and granite fixing – setting out, building, repairing and fixing cladding
• Memorial – fixing and maintenance of memorials.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Masons are employed by stonemasonry and construction companies. If working for a small firm, a mason would be expected to cover both banker and fixing duties. Some masons are self-employed, sub-contracting their services to larger building firms.

It may be possible for stonemasons to progress to supervisory or construction management roles.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants can expect between £14,000 and £16,500 a year.
Experienced masons can earn between £17,000 and £21,000.
Senior stonemasons may earn upwards of £22,000 a year.

Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Those self-employed negotiate their own rates.

Further information

Tel: 0870 417 8777 Tel: 0870 8505262 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577

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