Mason at OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS LOCAL 518
at OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS LOCAL 518 in North Kansas City, MO
About This Program
Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 518 sponsors this union Mason Apprenticeship program in North Kansas City, MO. As a JATC-affiliated program, it is jointly managed by union labor and contributing employers to deliver structured, standardized training in the cement masonry and plastering trades. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program and gain union membership and its associated benefits.
The 3-year program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in concrete flatwork, screeding, floating, troweling, and surface finishing; learn layout, elevation work, and plastering techniques; and gain experience with a full range of cement mason tools and materials under the supervision of experienced journeymen. Classroom instruction covers trade math, construction safety, materials science, and cement masonry standards.
Graduates earn journey-level mason status with union credentials recognized across Kansas City and the broader region. Union journeymen affiliated with Local 518 typically benefit from negotiated wages and comprehensive benefit packages, making this apprenticeship a strong starting point for a rewarding long-term career in the construction trades.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$24
OJT Hours
6,000
RTI Hours
432
Duration
3 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
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
Trade School
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