SUN Area Technical Institute

Course Description

Work in Masonry is a combination of physical and mental activity.  Skills to master the tools of the trade along with efficient work habits are what you will learn at SUN.  These skills will enable you to construct quality work that will stand the test of time.  You will also develop an understanding of mathematics as it relates to building materials as well as blueprint reading, jobsite organization, and jobsite safety.

Career Opportunities

A graduate can look for jobs in; Brick/Block apprentice, concrete mason apprentice, tilesetter apprentice, stone mason apprentice, laborer, sales, and prefabrication technician. After completing an apprenticeship, the following careers are available with adequate job training: foreman, supervisor, estimator, contractor, masonry landscape designer, construction technician, and construction superintendent.

Employment Outlook & Wages

A Local and National Business Data Alert

• We have a drastic local, state and national shortage of skilled masonry workers in United States.
• We need an estimated 14,000 additional masons per year for the next ten years in just Bricklaying.
• Pennsylvania has an economical and construction boom and we need more skilled tradesman to keep up with the demand and dwindling skilled labor force in PA.
• We need to replenish the pool of highly skilled individuals in PA to replace our aging workforce, contractors, engineers, architects and entrepreneurial opportunities in the construction trades well into the 21st Century.
• Why is the educational system so narrow minded on ALL students receiving a college degree when only 25% of the total population of the U.S. need a four year degree in the US to obtain employment and we can’t find the skilled help for our companies to meet the current demands?
• What about the 75% of secondary students and adult displaced workers not needing a four year college degree? Are they being technically trained and addressed by the current educational system? According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics and Business — definitely NOT!
• Why haven’t High Schools locally and nationally published completion rates and job success of ALL students and majors who enter and finish college instead of publishing the number of students going to college?? Compare technical training statistics and salaries.
• Look around as you read this! There is nothing you see that doesn’t involve masonry. Who designs, builds and maintains all that you see? A highly-qualified, skilled and educated individual who is a life long learner.

There is a local, state and national shortage of skilled mason and related fields. With increasing retirements and no one to fill the positions, the masonry trades are in desperate need to replenish the skilled labor workforce well into the mid 21st century in all areas. Current entry level wages for semi-skilled personnel start at $9.00 to $12.00 per hour (high school) to $20.00 to $58.00 per hour for highly skilled masons. At present the masonry field does not have enough skilled personnel to fill the entry level positions let alone replenish the skilled force openings left through attrition. The masonry field is expressing a concern to fill the high paying jobs of contractors and supervisors that require high levels of competence, motivation and intelligence in the next ten years. If you have a desire to succeed and want a trade that guarantees a future! The Masonry Trades are waiting for you.

Higher Education Opportunities

Students enrolled in the Masonry program can earn up to 12 college credits with Penn College of Technology while enrolled at SUN Tech.

Business & Industry Certifications

Masonry can help you obtain the following business and industry certifications:

Outcomes

• You will progress through a program where the mastery of new skills will go hand-in-hand with the potential for bigger paychecks.
• Your advancement will not only be measured in terms of dollars, it will also be measured in terms of accomplishment.
• By the time you enter the workforce you will possess literally hundreds of complex construction skills.
• You may even advance as a site foreman, an estimator, or a contractor.  It is individual motivation more than anything else that will determine how far you will advance in Masonry.   

Requirements

You should have physical strength and stamina. If you have a strong desire to learn, and you are not afraid of hard work, this could be the program for you. Contact your guidance department to set-up a visit.

Course Syllabus