Mason at Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 148 JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 148 JATC in Atlanta, GA

About This Program

The Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 148 JATC in Atlanta, Georgia is a union-affiliated Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee offering a registered Mason apprenticeship. As a JATC program, apprentices benefit from the backing of both labor and employer partners, providing strong training standards and union representation throughout their careers. Apprentices are paid from day one.

This three-year, time-based program combines 6,000 hours of on-the-job training with 432 hours of related technical instruction. JATC apprentices work on union job sites learning plastering, cement finishing, and masonry techniques under the supervision of experienced journey workers. Technical classroom instruction covers safety, construction math, reading plans and specifications, and the proper use of tools and materials common to the plastering and cement masonry trades.

Upon completion, apprentices become journey-level union masons and cement workers, eligible for union wages, benefits, and access to a wide network of union signatory contractors. A journey card from Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 148 is a recognized credential in the Atlanta construction market and beyond.

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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