Mason at Northwestern WI Masonry JAC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Northwestern WI Masonry JAC in Chippewa Falls, WI

About This Program

The Northwestern WI Masonry JAC in Chippewa Falls, WI offers a registered union Mason apprenticeship serving the masonry trades across northwestern Wisconsin. Administered by a Joint Apprenticeship Committee, this program combines the structure and protections of union-affiliated training with hands-on experience working alongside skilled journeymen on active job sites. Apprentices receive pay from day one of training.

Over three years, apprentices complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Work experience covers brick, block, and stone masonry; mortar mixing and application; tuckpointing; concrete work; and safe job site practices. Classroom instruction addresses masonry materials, trade mathematics, construction codes, and workplace safety standards required for professional mason work.

Graduates achieve journey-level mason certification recognized by union contractors throughout Wisconsin and nationally. Chippewa Falls and the broader Chippewa Valley region have active residential and commercial construction sectors, and the JAC's contractor network helps graduates connect with employment opportunities. Union journey wages and benefits make this an attractive long-term career path for those completing the program.

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

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.