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Career Training Programs

MASONRY
 

Course Objective:

Students will obtain education and skills to work as a mason. Emphasis is also placed on leadership skills and a strong work ethic.

 Course Description:

This three-year instructional program prepares students in brick, block, stone, concrete, tuck pointing, and artificial stone construction. Students learn the types and sizes of masonry materials, various applications for materials, blueprint reading, masonry symbols, use of measuring instruments, leveling instruments, layout and design, bonds, hand tools, masonry equipment, mortar mixing, concrete mixing, estimation, practical problems in mathematics, preparation of material lists, masonry saw, tile saw, 14” dry cut saw, hammer drill, demolition, fireplaces, chimneys, barbecue fireplace, steps, walls, scaffold construction, etc.

Course Topics:

Arches

Block                          

Brick (various types)  

Brick bonds

Concrete

Concrete block (sizes include 4”, 6”, 8”, & 12”)        

Corners                       

Line Work                  

Masonry saw

Mortar mixer

Piers                            

Plaster

Quoined corners

Safety                         

Stone                          

Tile saw

Veneer

Windows       

Required Supplies:

Safety glasses 

Uniform

Leather boots              

Textbooks:

Masonry, Brick & Block Construction, Ham. 

Cooperating Companies:

Collier Stone Company – Carnegie, PA

Donley Brick Company – Washington, PA

Russell Brothers – Washington, PA
 

Specialized Shop Equipment:

Builder’s level            

Concrete mixers

Demolition hammer 

Dry cut saw with diamond blade

Hammer drill              

Masonry saw 

Mortar mixers

Scaffold and planks

Tile saw 

Certifications:

PA Skills Certificate

Residential Construction Academy (RCA) National Registry 

Articulation Agreements:

Community College of Allegheny County – Building Construction Technology; Construction Manager/Estimator 

Post-Secondary Training Options:

Community College of Allegheny County – Building Construction, Estimating, Supervision, or Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology – Masonry

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – Masonry Construction Technology 

Potential Careers:

Blocklayer  

Bricklayer

Brickyard Sales C

Concrete Flatwork 

Concrete Framework

Mason Laborer

Pre-cast Installation 

Tile Setter

Tuck Pointer                           

Stone Mason   

Masonry Skills:

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.

Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 

Wages and Employment Trends:

Median Wages (2009)                                      $22.47 hourly, $46,740 annually

Employment (2008)                                         136,000 employees

Projected Growth (2008-2018)                          Average (7% to 13%)

Projected Need (2008-2018)                            50,000 additional employees