Stone Masonry
Careers Explorer:
Create practical or beautiful (usually both) stone items that can last for centuries.
Overview
As a Stonemason, you carve blocks of stone and lay and fit stonework into place on construction projects.
You’re basically a master and artist of different materials including slate, sandstone and limestone.
You may find yourself repairing old builds and monuments, fitting and making stonework such as window frames and archways.
Depending on the type of work, it may be indoors or outdoors and can often be at height. A physically demanding role, as it would involve lifting and carrying heavy materials and equipment, but a wonderfully creative and varied role.
Top 5 Tasks
- Repair old buildings and monuments
- Use technical drawings
- Make and fit stonework
- Work with a range of hand tools
- Work with specialist historical teams.
Salary
A Stonemason starting out will typically earn around £20,000 and those at a more experienced level will earn much more, approximately £35,000.
However, senior or master craft Stonemasons can earn even higher salaries.
salaries typically range depending on location, employer and overtime.
Am I Suited?
- Creative
- Problem solver
- Self-motivator
- Math geek
- Ambitious
Famous works of stonemasonry include the Egyptian Pyraminds, the Taj Mahal, Easter Island’s statues and Angkor Wat.
Qualifications
There are no specific entry requirements, but maths, English and design and technology GCSEs at 4 (C) or above are useful to have.
You could start your career as an apprentice Stonemason, or you could start as a bricklayer and then specialise in stonemasonry. As an experienced Stonemason you may choose to undertake a level 3 apprenticeship which would incorporate the diploma and NVQ qualification.
