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A masonry helper assists a mason who might be working with stone, brick, or tile. They would assist the mason to carry the tools and materials needed for the job and set the location up for the project. They might even help with the mortar and then assist with the site clean-up at the end of each day. Watch a video to learn more about masonry.
How to Become a Masonry Helper
Masonry helpers learn on-the-job from more experienced workers. There is no minimum educational requirement though some employers may prefer those with a high school diploma. According to O*NET OnLine, about 70% of those surveyed had earned at least a high school diploma or a certification after high school.
Job Description of a Masonry Helper
Since masonry helpers assist masons on-the-job, they would complete the tasks asked of them by the mason. The more experience the masonry helper has may dictate more tasks they are able to accomplish. Along with getting any tools or materials the mason would need, they would also assist to mix any mortar, plaster, or grout. In addition, masonry helpers might find themselves cutting tiles to size and cleaning the surface of the finished product before showing a client.
Masonry Helper Career Video Transcript
Building materials like stone and brick add artistry to buildings and homes. Brickmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters depend on helpers to get the work done. Although helpers handle aspects of the job that call for a lesser degree of skill, their contribution is very important.
First of all, they carry the materials needed at the job site. Often, they are the ones responsible for organizing and keeping a list of the items. Helpers prepare the area where the work is to be done. This may include ripping up and removing the old materials. They may also be called upon to hold material or tools, having them ready for the craftsman. They apply the caulk or sealants to the installed surfaces and they wipe away excess grout.
Helpers also assist with equipment maintenance. The work is physically demanding. At times, helpers handle extremely heavy materials. Bending, lifting, working on your knees, or over your head are all part of a typical day’s work. No formal training is required. Helpers learn these tasks on-the-job from more experienced workers. If you have the ability to take direction and want to get in on the ground floor of a challenging job in construction, helping a brick mason, stonemason, or tile and marble setter may be the job for you.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction Laborers and Helpers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 47-3011.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.