Concrete masons mix, pour, set and finish concrete or concrete blocks in the construction industry. They can acquire skills through on-the-job training or attend a professional education program. Apprenticeship programs require classroom training and work experience, and additional courses can lead to management positions. Good physical condition, reliability, and teamwork skills are essential. Certification is not required but can confirm high-level skills.
Concrete masons, also known as cement masons or concrete finishers, work in the construction industry. Its main function is to mix, pour, set and finish concrete or concrete blocks. To become a concrete mason, one must work as an apprentice to acquire concrete skills through professional training or attend a professional education program to learn the skills through a technical or trade school. On-the-job training programs can be occasional or they can be a formal apprenticeship program supported by a union, trade organization or contractor. Technical and business schools can also be attended after learning on-the-job skills if one wishes to pursue management positions.
Those who choose the on-the-job training route to becoming a concrete mason will usually start with basic construction labor jobs. After learning more about the tools, machines and materials used in the cement business, helpers will move on to helping experienced bricklayers with more advanced tasks. Starting individual tasks can include edges or joints of freshly laid concrete. When these basic skills are mastered, bricklayers move on to more skilled tasks such as finishing. Formal apprenticeship programs for individuals wishing to become a concrete mason will involve both on-the-job training and time spent in the classroom.
Apprenticeship programs and professional education programs require about 144 hours of classroom training in addition to work. Classes will likely include math, design, layout, cost estimating, and safety. The average time to complete a formal training program is approximately three years. Those with natural skills and abilities can become concrete masons much sooner, however. Progress is based on skill mastery. Many apprenticeship programs will require completion of an education program first, with a passing grade on the practical and written exams.
Other requirements for becoming a concrete mason are good physical condition, reliability and the ability to work well in teams. The construction industry requires a lot of interaction with other workers, so good communication is essential. Most entry-level bricklayers are at least 18 years old and have completed high school. For those interested in advancing further, additional courses will help bricklayers become concrete supervisors, construction managers and cost estimators. While certification is not required, it is a good way to confirm achievement of high-level concrete masonry skills.
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