What do you want to be when you grow up? You might need to get past thinking “what pays the most” and think about what drives you. What are your real interests and passions in life? Are you creative? Do you possess dexterity, physical strength, and stamina? Do you have a command of basic math skills? If you said answered "yes" to any of the previous questions, you might want to consider the Brick, Block and Stonemasonry Technology program at Hinds Community College.
The Brick, Block, and Stonemasonry program offers learning experiences in the following areas:
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laying out and/or spacing bonds
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determining vertical and horizontal alignment of various walls using proven techniques
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cutting, notching, and shaping blocks, bricks, and stone to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, and fireplaces.
There are two main types of masons:
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Brickmasons, blockmasons, and bricklayers use various types of brick and block as well as other materials to construct and maintain walls, exteriors, fireplaces, walkways, etc., out of brick or block.
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Stonemasons generally construct floors, fences, walls, or exteriors for residential or professional buildings. They use many types of stone, including both natural cut stone and manmade stone.
Masons can:
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Read blueprints to calculate materials needed
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Lay out foundations or patterns
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Safely cut or break bricks, stones, or blocks to their appropriate size
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Mix and place mortar and/or grout
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Lay bricks, blocks, or stones according to blueprints or drawings
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Safely clean excess mortar using chemical cleaning agents
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Construct corners with a corner pole or by building a corner pyramid
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Ensure that a structure is perfectly vertical and horizontal, using methods consistent with industry techniques
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Clean and polish surfaces with the safe use of hand or power tools
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Fill expansion and contraction joints with the appropriate caulking materials
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Layout and construct walls with expansion and control joints
What About Job Opportunities?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of masons is projected to grow 40 percent from 2010 to 2020. This growth is due to an increase in population, which will create a need for infrastructure such as new home construction, schools, hospitals and apartment buildings. The masonry workforce is growing older and a large number of masons are expected to retire over the next decade. As a result, a shortage of workers is expected. Highly skilled masons with a good job history and work experience in construction should have the best job opportunities.
Students will find the Brick, Block, and Stone Masonry program a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in the construction industry. The program has an excellent reputation with local firms looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical jobs filled by students who have completed this program include laborers, mason tenders, apprentice brick masons, block masons, and stonemasons (or, simply, masons). In addition, many are self-employed contractors.
What Are My Degree Options?
Degree options in the Brick, Block, and Stone Masonry program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and/or license/certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market.
Need More Information?
This program is offered at the Raymond and Utica campuses of Hinds Community College. For more information, contact Dennis Quertermous (Raymond Campus) at 601.857.3376 or Rodney Warfield (Utica Campus) at 601.885.7009.
