Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: How Masonry Supply Companies Are Revolutionizing Skilled Trade Education
The masonry industry faces a critical challenge that extends far beyond bricks and mortar: a growing shortage of skilled craftspeople. As experienced masons retire and construction demands increase, forward-thinking masonry suppliers are stepping up to fill this gap by partnering with training programs and directly investing in apprenticeship initiatives that are shaping the future of skilled trades.
The Evolution of Masonry Apprenticeship Programs
Masonry apprenticeship programs have evolved into sophisticated “earn-while-you-learn” structures that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, typically spanning 3½ years and resulting in certificates from both the Department of Apprenticeship Standards and the Department of Labor. These programs are specifically designed to help build a talented workforce with the intention of replenishing the nation’s short supply of qualified masons.
Modern masonry curricula comply with U.S. Department of Labor standards for apprenticeship programs, ensuring that students receive industry-standard training and credentials. These competency-based training programs consist of approximately 432 hours of related classroom and lab training, covering everything from blueprint reading and construction math to hands-on mortar spreading and masonry unit installation.
How Suppliers Are Leading the Training Revolution
Masonry suppliers are increasingly recognizing their crucial role in workforce development. Organizations like MITA develop partnerships with masonry contractors, schools, government agencies, and others for the benefit of the masonry industry in building their workforce of tomorrow. These partnerships create comprehensive training ecosystems that benefit everyone involved.
Some suppliers have developed innovative programs like 60-hour “Introduction to Masonry” courses and Summer High School Boot Camps that provide hands-on training, academic lessons, field trips to block plants and masonry saw developers, plus panels with masonry contractors sharing career benefits.
Companies like troffa masonry supply exemplify this commitment to excellence. As a premier landscape and masonry supply company located in Setauket, they have been expertly servicing both commercial and residential customers throughout Long Island since 1972. Their staff is committed to providing clients with the very best services possible, working with customers every step of the way to ensure all needs are met, with friendly and knowledgeable sales associates going above and beyond to ensure the best experience and highest quality products.
Comprehensive Training Components
A typical masonry apprenticeship includes 6,700 hours of on-the-job training combined with 144 hours of classroom instruction per year, covering laying standard and specialty masonry units, cutting masonry units, mixing mortar and grout, installing re-bar and insulating materials, building footings, foundations, arches, columns, piers, corners, fireplaces and chimneys, installing anchoring devices, panels, rain screen systems, flashing, and all plastering applications.
Apprentices work alongside experienced journeyman masons, starting at 65% of a journeyman’s wage and attending evening classes once per week throughout the program, with wages increasing by 5% every six months as long as they maintain attendance and job progress.
Industry Partnerships and Support Networks
Organizations like the Masonry Association of Georgia demonstrate how association members dedicate themselves to training future workforce through intensive 18-month masonry training programs. Some suppliers serve as Accredited Training Sponsors for NCCER, supporting over 100 training programs across high school and post-secondary institutions, including programs within Juvenile Justice, YouthBuild, Department of Corrections, and other re-entry initiatives, creating “pre-apprenticeship” opportunities that form the foundation for pathways to apprenticeship programs.
Benefits for Consumers and the Industry
These comprehensive training programs benefit consumers by ensuring a steady supply of skilled craftspeople who understand modern materials, techniques, and safety standards. Apprentices earn while they learn their trade, getting paid while training on-the-job and in the classroom, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals.
Apprenticeship programs typically last three to four years and include both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, with apprentices sponsored by employers or unions and paid on a scale during training, earning higher wages and additional benefits like health insurance as they progress.
Looking Toward the Future
The masonry industry’s investment in apprenticeship programs represents more than workforce development—it’s about preserving craftsmanship traditions while embracing modern techniques. These programs begin with pre-job training for apprentices and continue throughout a craftworker’s career in various masonry specialties, with advanced training available for emerging cladding systems and installation technologies.
Experienced journeyman masons can eventually become master tradesmen training new apprentices, while those with business skills can open their own contracting or subcontracting companies, creating opportunities for career advancement and business ownership.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, masonry suppliers who invest in training programs aren’t just building better craftspeople—they’re building stronger communities, more reliable supply chains, and a sustainable future for the trades. For consumers seeking masonry services, choosing suppliers and contractors connected to these training initiatives means access to the most skilled, safety-conscious, and knowledgeable professionals in the field.