Mason at Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons OPCMIA LU 21 & 538
at Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons OPCMIA LU 21 & 538 in Des Moines, IA
About This Program
The Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons OPCMIA LU 21 & 538 sponsors this Mason Apprenticeship in Des Moines, Iowa. The program is employer-sponsored and provides apprentices with a paid, structured entry into the masonry and cement finishing trades.
This 3-year program combines 6,000 hours of on-the-job training with 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in cement finishing, plastering, and masonry installation, while classroom instruction covers trade mathematics, material properties, safety standards, and applicable building codes. Training prepares apprentices to work proficiently across a variety of masonry applications.
Completions earn journey-level status in the masonry trades, opening doors to steady employment in commercial, industrial, and residential construction. The Des Moines area offers a robust construction market, and skilled masons with formal apprenticeship credentials are well-positioned for long-term career growth.
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.
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
Trade School
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