Stonemason

The Job  

Stonemasonry has been around for thousands of years, and today it's a traditional skill that's still very much in demand - both in repairing old buildings and creating new ones. It can be a really rewarding career, and you could get to work on some extremely impressive projects.

The job involves considerable skill and the use of both modern and traditional tools. Once you've got to grips with the basics, you can choose to specialise in either restoration or newbuild.

The People  

You'll need to be both creative and practical, and an interest in history helps, as much of the work involves the restoration of old buildings.

Entry Requirements  

There are no specific academic requirements to train as stonemason, although an interest in art and design and GCSE passes (A-D) / S Grades (1-4) in Maths, English and Technology may be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory. Employers will usually test team skills and ability to take instructions before employing you.

Prospective stonemasons can expect to learn the trade through an apprenticeship or traineeship, lasting 3 to 4 years. There is a highly accredited City & Guilds stonemasonry course available at several colleges, which combines on-site practical skills and college based theory training.

The Benefits  

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer.

Self-employed professionals can expect to earn a far higher annual income than those in full time employment. Many masons prefer to stick to their craft, rather than transfer into the office-based technical, supervisory and managerial roles, although these routes are still possible.