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Stonemason

Do you want to become a Stonemason? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Stonemasons restore and repair old buildings and work on new projects such as the stone cladding of office blocks.

• Banker masons craft and shape, texture and polish blocks of stone. Some advanced masons carve figures and patterns.
• Fixer masons build the dressed stone on site, following the architect's plan.
• Monumental or memorial masonry involves making memorials for the funeral industry.
• Masons can also specialise in letter cutting or working with a particular type of stone.

Stonemasons work a five-day week and may work late or at weekends. Banker masons mainly work in workshops, which can be noisy and dusty. Fixer masons work outdoors on site, in all weathers. Restoration work often involves working at great heights.

Salaries for stonemasons range from £12,000 to £30,000 or more a year.

Stonemasons should:

• have the ability to follow drawings and written instructions
• enjoy using practical hand skills
• have an interest in building conservation
• be physically fit.

Masons are employed by stonemasonry companies with many small firms being family concerns. Some stonemasons are self-employed. There is currently a shortage of traditional craft skills.

There are no specific entry requirements for training, but some GCSEs/S grades (A-D/1-4) may be an advantage. Entry is usually through an Apprenticeship scheme, but the number of training places throughout the UK is limited. Employers welcome mature entrants, as long as they are physically fit enough to cope with the demands of the job.

NVQs/SVQs in Stonemasonry are available at Levels 2 and 3 and training is usually on the job combined with part-time study at college.

There may be opportunities for promotion to technical, supervisory and managerial roles or for self-employment.

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