Mason at Bricklayers-Allied Crftwrkrs #3,Niagfalls/Buffjatc

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Bricklayers-Allied Crftwrkrs #3,Niagfalls/Buffjatc in Buffalo, NY

About This Program

Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local #3, serving the Niagara Falls and Buffalo region, sponsors this union Mason apprenticeship through a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) based in Buffalo, NY. As a JATC program, apprentices are backed by the union's training resources, signatory employer network, and established wage progression structure.

The 3-year apprenticeship includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on active construction sites learning bricklaying, block and stone work, mortar application, blueprint reading, and safety practices. Classroom instruction covers masonry fundamentals, construction mathematics, and trade-specific safety standards, providing a well-rounded foundation in the craft.

Graduates of the program earn journey-level union mason status, positioning them for steady employment with union contractors throughout Western New York. The union credential also typically comes with access to health and retirement benefits, making this a strong long-term career path in the construction trades.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$24

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

6,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

432

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

3 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

Mason Career Outlook

National Median

$24.19/hr

~$50,315.2/yr

Apprentice Start

$15/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Mason employment is projected to grow moderately, supported by commercial construction and infrastructure investment. Demand is strongest in regions with active building and renovation markets. Retirements in the existing workforce are creating additional openings. Masons with restoration skills or concrete finishing certifications have the best prospects.

What to Expect as a Mason Apprentice

Duration

3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

432 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Mason

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration3 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$24.19/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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