Stonemason

What does a stonemason do?

As a stonemason you will be responsible for helping to repair or maintain structures, such as churches or houses. This can include cutting or carving a variety of types of stone, and you will usually have to ensure you preserve the look and feel of the building. 

The job role of a stonemason involves the following duties:

• Repairing old buildings and monuments
• Making and fitting stonework like window frames and archways
• Dressing stone and building walls
• Carving and repairing headstones and statues
• Working with different materials including slate, sandstone, limestone, marble and granite
• Interpreting technical drawings
• Working with a range of hand tools
• Collaborating with historians and conservationists
• Thinking creatively and problem solving
• Lifting and carrying heavy materials and equipment
• Working indoors or outdoors, sometimes at height and in dusty environments.

How to become a stonemason

There are several routes to becoming a stonemason. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship or on the job training.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You could complete a college course to learn some basic skills and help you to get a job as a trainee in a construction company. You could start with a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or a Level 2 Diploma in Stonemasonry.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Traineeship

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be eligible for a traineeship. This is a short course (2 weeks - 6 months) which helps you to gain work experience in your chosen role.

• Find out more about traineeships

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

You could begin your career as an apprentice stonemason, or you could start as a bricklayer and then specialise in stonemasonry.

An advanced apprenticeship in stonemasonry heritage skills takes around 30 months to complete.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some experience as a bricklayer you may be able to find work assisting a stonemason, and then do on-the-job training to gain a qualification in stonemasonry.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a stonemason. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills that may benefit anyone looking to become a stonemason include:

• Knowledge of building and construction
• Able to use your initiative
• Persistence and determination
• Excellent attention to detail.

How much could you earn as a stonemason?

The expected salary for a stonemason varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained stonemasons can start at £22000
• Trained with experience stonemasons can earn up to £50000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources