Mason at Plasterers and Cement Masons Jac, Local 394

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Plasterers and Cement Masons Jac, Local 394 in Phoenix, AZ

About This Program

The Mason Apprenticeship offered by Plasterers and Cement Masons JAC, Local 394 in Phoenix, Arizona is a union-affiliated registered apprenticeship program administered through a Joint Apprenticeship Committee. As a JATC program, apprentices benefit from union-backed training standards, labor protections, and a structured path to journeyman status while earning wages throughout the program.

This three-year program combines 6,000 hours of on-the-job training with 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to finish and smooth concrete surfaces, apply plaster and stucco coatings, set forms, and use a range of hand and power tools. Technical instruction covers material properties, surface preparation techniques, safety regulations, and the requirements of Arizona's construction code environment.

Completing this apprenticeship leads to journey-level standing as a cement mason or plasterer within the union. Union membership and journeyman certification open doors to consistent employment, competitive wages, and benefits on commercial and public construction projects throughout the Phoenix metro area.

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.

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

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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