Mason at Milwaukee Area Cement Masonry JAC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Milwaukee Area Cement Masonry JAC in Milwaukee, WI

About This Program

The Milwaukee Area Cement Masonry JAC in Milwaukee, WI sponsors this registered union Mason apprenticeship through a Joint Apprenticeship Committee. As a union-backed program, apprentices benefit from structured training standards, labor protections, and access to a network of signatory contractors across the Milwaukee metro area. Apprentices earn wages throughout their three years of training.

The program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on concrete placement and finishing, screed setting, surface texturing, form work, and safe equipment use on commercial and industrial job sites. Classroom coursework covers concrete technology, trade math, blueprint reading, material specifications, and OSHA safety regulations.

Graduates earn journey-level cement mason credentials backed by union recognition, qualifying them for skilled positions with union contractors throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Milwaukee's ongoing industrial and commercial construction activity supports strong demand for trained cement masons, and union journey workers benefit from established wage scales and comprehensive benefits packages negotiated through the JAC.

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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