Concrete masons, further known as concrete finishers, work in the construction industry. Their primary function is to pour, mix, set, and finish concrete or concrete blocks. To train as a concrete mason, you must either work as an apprentice to gain construction training or enroll in a vocational program at a trade or masonry school. Construction training can quite potentially put you up the ladder to excel in your skill.
Meanwhile, concrete instruction programs may be formal internships supported by a trade organization, union, or contracting company. Moreover, if one wishes to seek a management position after learning the required skills, they can attend technical and trade school. Those choosing the construction training route to become a concrete mason usually start with basic construction labor jobs. After learning more about cement industry technology, tools, and supplies, volunteers will assist professional concrete masons with more futuristic duties.
Starting solo tasks may include jointing or edging or newly laid concrete. Furthermore, when a worker masters these basic skills, these workers will move on to higher-skilled tasks such as finishing. For those interested in becoming concrete masons, a formal apprenticeship program will include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Let’s find out the steps you will need to take to become a concrete finisher.
Some applicants enter this field through official apprenticeships, which are competitive and require a high school education to enter. Indeed, these programs may last up to three years, and it gathers hands-on training with classroom instruction. Individuals interested in an apprenticeship may consider taking brick courses in drafting, math, and carpentry.
Concrete masons learn their skills through informal job training, which may last up to a year. In this case, both apprentices and on-the-job learners usually earn during the training period.
Obtaining certification may make concrete masons more ambitious in the business. Meanwhile, students can complete certification through the American Concrete Institute.
To qualify for construction certification, candidates must meet minimum work experience requirements and pass an exam. ACI certification is valid for five years. After that, individuals must relinquish a written exam to maintain their certification.
After years of experience, concrete finishers can become construction foremen or even project managers on a construction site. Project managers oversee these construction sites in a primarily administrative capacity. While becoming a concrete mason, all you need is to complete an apprenticeship or earn through on-the-job training.
In this fast-growing industry, masonry courses focus on helping aspirants develop the skills they need to launch a lucrative career. Besides, the building occupation offers fulfilling work, an exciting range of specializations, and high wages. At the same time, you can consider many opportunities by completing job training at a trade school.
Arranging concrete training at a trade school can make you more engaging with potential employers. That’s because it indicates that you have already learned some basic rules and principles and safety protocols.
You may opt for a construction management degree program specializing in one field or providing a broader-based education. Whether you are new to the construction profession or are looking to develop your abilities, a trade school can help.
Most top-paying roles, such as construction manager and cost estimator, have reserves for individuals with post-graduate training.
Some careers in construction need workers to have certification, a license, or registration at the state, federal or local levels. Besides, the rules differ between regions. Accordingly, some states require general contractors to be licensed if they work on jobs over a specific value. Indeed, some require separate grants for commercial and residential entrepreneurs.
Here is a snapshot of occupations that are related to construction that frequently has special regulations:
All an employee wants is a career that has good opportunities ahead along with the right work-life balance. Furthermore, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that masonry occupations would expand by 11% from 2018 to 2028. This is because of concrete’s weather durability.
Furthermore, according to BLS data from May 2021, the median annual income for cement masons and concrete finishers was $43,000. Therefore, if you want to start your concrete career, it’s prime time to get job training with concrete training courses at PTTI.
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