Education · 1 of 5
The path
Most stonemasons come through the bricklayer apprenticeship and specialize in stone. A few go through a heritage school.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12 with math and a shop or art class. Some provinces let you start through a high school apprenticeship program.
- 2
Find a sponsor
Weeks to months
A masonry or restoration contractor, a landscaping company that builds stone walls, or the union hiring hall. Starting as a labourer is the usual way in.
- 3
Register the apprenticeship
Days
In Ontario the trade is called Brick and Stone Mason (401A). Elsewhere it is Bricklayer. Register with your provincial trades body.
- 4
Work and study
3 years
About 5,600 hours in Ontario: roughly 4,880 on site plus three in-school levels totalling 720 hours. Ask for a sponsor that does stone, not just brick.
- 5
Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal
After your hours
Pass the provincial exam and add the Red Seal endorsement to work anywhere in Canada.