Do you want to be a...

Stonemason

Also known as Lettercutter, Stone Fixer and Stonemason - Machinist.

Stonemasons cut and shape hard and soft stone blocks and masonry slabs for the construction and renovation of stone structures and monumental masonry (stonework for cemeteries).

Stonemasons often work in a noisy environment.

TASKS

Stonemasons may perform the following tasks:

cut and shape stone using machine or hand tools, taking into account the characteristics of the stone being used
cut and polish granite and marble for use in construction, such as for kitchen bench tops and bathroom vanity units
design, cut and carve monumental masonry, such as memorial tablets and bases for statues, using templates for detailed work and a variety of chisels, punches and hammers, depending on the type of stone being used
cut lettering into stonework by marking out the letters and then cutting or chiselling them with hand-held tools or sandblasting equipment
construct walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks
lay stone paving
lay granite or marble floor tiles
fix stone facades to buildings
repair and replace stonework on old buildings, churches and monuments

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to work at heights
able to work with your hands
self-motivated
aptitude for technical drawing and working with computers is an advantage

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a stonemason you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Stonemasonry (Monumental/Installation).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

In NSW, stonemasons carrying out work valued at more than $1000 must either hold, or work under someone who holds, a valid building contractor's licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. See www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au for more information.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT. Contact SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Stonemasons are employed by construction companies to work on stone structures and by monument fabricators to make monuments and carve lettering. Some are self-employed.

Stonemasonry is a small and specialised trade either focusing on the renovation and maintenance of old buildings or on monumental masonry. The use of masonry in construction has largely been superseded by modern techniques.

Demand is also affected by the number of restoration programmes for old buildings and the trend for commercial stone facades, stone and terrazzo furniture and components.

The nature of a stonemason's job changes with the introduction of new techniques in cutting and forming stonework, requiring stonemasons to keep up to date with advanced equipment and the skills required to operate it.