The state of Ohio boasts of excellent masonry workers who have found a perfect creative outlet in the occupation. The state also has excellent masonry training programs where aspiring masonry workers are brought up on the fundamentals of the job, such as mortar mixing and wall construction.
Usually, it is considered a good idea for aspiring masonry workers in Ohio to attend any of these programs before starting their career as a masonry worker. Of course, there are also some other educational alternatives to consider.
If you are an aspiring mason in Ohio who wants to know more about the possible approaches to becoming a successful mason, you have come to the right page.
Below is a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know to start your journey.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in Ohio
All aspiring masonry workers in Ohio must follow the steps below to kick-start their careers.
Fulfill the Basic Requirements
Since the government of Ohio has no mandatory educational requirements for masonry workers in the state, it is usually up to training programs and employers to set these conditions.
Currently, most do ask for a high school diploma or GED from applicants before they are offered admission. Additionally, some ask for valid driver’s licenses and medical certificates to verify the absence of drugs.
Enroll in a Training Program
It is only possible to become a mason anywhere with an understanding of the fundamentals and technical aspects of the job. This is where training programs come in.
Academic programs offered by community colleges and vocational schools especially excel in teaching students the theoretical basis of the occupation.
Acquire Work Experience
Aspiring masonry workers should obtain real-world experience before starting the job. Usually, this can be achieved by working as an apprentice or as a masonry assistant before seeking employment.
Real-world experience is so vital for a masonry worker that some refuse to attend official academic programs and instead focus on apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeship versus Assistant Duties
Apprenticeship programs and working as an assistant to a practicing masonry worker offer the opportunity to receive training on the job. The difference, however, is that while apprenticeship programs focus on hands-on training, they also involve classroom training.
In assistant arrangements, most of the duties involve shadowing the master masonry worker and taking note of how they go about their responsibilities in the real world.
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State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Minor masonry work in Ohio does not require a state license. Still, depending on the nature of the contract, it is advisable to check in with the National Contractor License Agency of Ohio to determine whether or not a particular project requires any special or general contractor license.
Additionally, masons in the state are advised to consider certification to improve their career opportunities. Some top certifications to consider include the Certified Bricklayer credential offered by the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Certified Masonry Technician credential provided by the International Masonry Institute.
Top Masonry Schools in Ohio
Below are some of the most prominent masonry schools in Ohio.
Affiliated Construction Trades Ohio Bricklayers Training Center
Ohio’s Bricklayers and Allied craftworkers offer an impressive training program for aspiring masons. Apprentices applying for the program will learn critical topics such as layout patterns, mixing, spreading, slabs and foundations, blueprint reading, cleaning, vertical and horizontal structural alignment, and surface polishing.
Columbus City Schools Career Technical Education Department
Among the courses included in this program are construction technology, stone masonry, brick and block outline, planning, and blueprint reading, along with concrete and residential masonry.
Notable Mentions
Other notable masonry programs for aspiring masons in Ohio include the cement masonry program at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland and the construction trades apprenticeship program at Ivy Tech Community College. Individuals looking for other apprenticeship programs may consider the Bricklayers Local 7 Training Center in Akron, Lorain County Joint Vocational School in Oberlin, and the Southeast Career Center VOC in Columbus.
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Salary and Job Outlook
Masonry workers in Ohio earn an annual salary close to the national average. This figure of $38,404 usually applies to masonry workers in the state at the midpoint of their careers.
Those just starting may earn closer to an annual average salary of $22,094, while those who have spent a significant amount of time on the job may reach as high as an average yearly salary of $66,752.
As expected, location dramatically influences how much a masonry worker will earn in Ohio. Currently, Cincinnati is the highest-paying city for masons in the state, with an annual average salary of $55,864.
Columbus, Dayton, and Mansfield follow with annual average salaries of $53,078, $49,870, and $48,941, respectively.
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