Masonry workers typically need a high-school diploma or equivalent to acquire the skills to launch their careers. Of course, as the field continues to grow, every passing day brings about the need to do more to stand out as a masonry worker anywhere in the country.
In Virginia, particularly, candidates must go through a handful of steps to ensure they start their careers in the best possible way. These steps are quite direct; once you’re familiar with them from the start, you will find it easy to fulfill the requirements involved.
To that end, we have provided a comprehensive overview of what it takes to start a masonry career in Virginia. We also dive into the certification possibilities, notable masonry schools in the state, and the salary overview.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in Virginia
The following are the steps to starting a career as a masonry worker in Virginia.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become a masonry worker in Virginia involve having a high school diploma or GED and meeting the basic physical requirements. A high school diploma or GED will also make it easier for candidates to secure admission into the top apprenticeship programs in the state.
These programs ask for such credentials to ensure that accepted candidates have a fundamental understanding of a few areas of knowledge, such as basic mathematics in the field.
As for the physical requirements, future masonry workers must have core skills, including stamina and agility. The field involves a lot of standing and heavy lifting, which makes it imperative for interested individuals to be physically fit.
Apprenticeship
Most training programs for masonry workers in Virginia are arranged as an apprenticeship program. This is because a masonry worker will require a lot of hands-on training and real-world experience in the workshop to carry out the duties at a high level.
For this reason, most people tend to enroll in trade apprenticeship training programs to kick-start their careers. This is not to say that future masonry workers in Virginia cannot enroll in community colleges and trade school programs where they will earn a certificate or even an associate degree in building construction.
However, many community colleges also structure their training programs as apprenticeships to suit the training needs particular to the field.
Securing Employment
After acquiring the right training from the right destination, the next step to becoming a masonry worker in Virginia is to apply for open roles in masonry and building construction-related establishments. Most training programs offer job placement assistance, so securing employment as a masonry worker in Virginia is relatively easy.
Having certification also helps. We take a look at the steps required to do so below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Aspiring masons in Virginia will be glad to know they don’t need a license to secure employment. However, they must acquire a contractor license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to start their business and take on bigger contracts.
The department specifies 3 licensing classes: A, B, and C. To qualify, candidates must participate in pre-license education and pass appropriate exams.
As for certification, masonry workers in Virginia may choose to obtain a Certified Bricklayer or Certified Masonry Technician credential offered by the National Concrete Masonry Association and the International Masonry Institute, respectively.
Top Masonry Schools in Virginia
Below are a few top masonry training programs for aspiring masons in Virginia to consider.
- Southside Virginia Community College – offers a Career Studies Certificate in masonry,
- Virginia Masonry Association - offers rigorous masonry apprenticeship training,
- Valley Career and Technical Center - offers a one-year technical program,
- Virginia Peninsula Community College - offers a fundamental masonry technology training program,
- Bedford Science and Tech Center - offers an NCCER curriculum-based masonry training program.
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Salary & Career Outlook
Even though masonry workers in Virginia can earn up to $60,991 yearly in average salary, this figure is relevant to those in the top 10%. Generally, Virginia masonry workers earn an annual salary of $45,171 - 5% above the national average.
Those in the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $33,455, while it is possible to earn up to $6,855 per year in overtime.
Sterling is Virginia’s highest-paying city for masonry workers, with an annual average salary of $47,020. This is followed by Charlottesville, with an annual average salary of $46,686, and Richmond, with an annual average salary of $43,504.
At fourth and fifth place are Norfolk, with an annual average salary of $40,279, and Roanoke, with an annual average salary of $39,711.
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