Mason at Mason County Eastern

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Mason County Eastern in Custer, MI

About This Program

Mason County Eastern sponsors this non-union Mason Apprenticeship program based in Custer, MI. The program is time-based and registered as an apprenticeship, offering paid training for individuals entering the masonry trade in western Michigan.

The apprenticeship runs for 3 years and includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to lay brick, concrete block, and natural stone; prepare and apply mortar; read blueprints and establish layout; and operate masonry tools and equipment in accordance with safety standards. Technical instruction covers masonry fundamentals, trade mathematics, construction drawings, and workplace safety.

Upon program completion, apprentices achieve journey-level mason status, qualifying them to work independently on a full range of masonry projects. Skilled masons are valued across residential, commercial, and public works construction, and a completed apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the skilled 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.

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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