Stonemason

Stonemasons cut and shape stone using hand and power tools. Work may take place in stone yards or on-site. Some stonemasons specialise in stone carving.

Work activities

Stonemasons create shapes from blocks of stone and fix it to buildings. Some specialise in working with different materials such as granite or marble. There are two kinds of mason: banker masons and fixer masons.

Banker masons are mainly based in workshops or stone yards. They cut and prepare stone from the quarry for use. They first mark an outline on the block of stone, then carefully cut and smooth it into shape, using hand and power tools such as mallets, chisels and drills. They can make complex patterns and produce a variety of finishes.

In some stone yards, banker masons use cutting machines. These cut blocks of stone following a set pattern. The machines can be programmed to work on their own, leaving the masons free to do the skilled cutting or carving.

Some banker masons learn to carve stone and may specialise in this type of work. Some specialise in restoring old carved stonework. In this work, they make tracings of damaged stonework and transfer them onto paper in the workshop. They make patterns from the drawings and use them to cut around. They either carve the complete piece by hand or use a machine.

Fixer masons assemble the finished stone on-site, following the architect’s drawings and attach the stone to the building. They lift the heaviest pieces carefully into place using ropes and pulleys.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a stonemason, you will need:

Good practical skills.
To be able to work patiently and carefully.
The ability to follow instructions accurately.
To be physically fit, as some of the work is heavy, particularly for fixer masons lifting large finished pieces.
An eye for design.
Good basic maths skills.
A head for heights, as fixer masons may have to work up ladders or on scaffolding.
An awareness of the importance of health and safety in this industry.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Stonemasons start on £15,000, rising to £35,000 with experience.

Stonemasons work a 43-45-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are specialist stonemason contractors, monumental masons and building contractors. Opportunities for stonemasons occur with contractors in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced stonemasons to work independently as self-employed contractors.

What’s happening in this work area?

Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the main method of working.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job or Find an Apprenticeship service.

Entry routes and training

A level 2 (intermediate) stonemason apprenticeship is a good way to begin a career in this role. It’s also possible to get into this career through one of City & Guilds courses in stonemasonry.

For most building companies, you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

Apprenticeships will usually involve work- and college-based training. You will also receive training in subjects like health and safety.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, such as construction site manager.

Qualifications

Entry requirements vary. To begin an intermediate apprenticeship in this role, you will need GCSEs in maths and English – although you can often take these qualifications alongside your apprenticeship.

To enter a City & Guilds level 2 course, you’ll usually need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or higher. However, individual centres may have different entry requirements. You may be able to get on to one of the courses without any qualifications.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Related skills, for example, gained while a building operative, are useful.

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