Course Overview

Some of the world’s most famous structures — the Colosseum, the Egyptian pyramids and the Taj Mahal, to name a few — were built by masons. In our Masonry course, students explore the age-old trade while learning how today’s masons build modern masterpieces.

As they grow familiar with the tools and diverse materials of the trade, students master the following skills:

• Build solid masonry and veneer walls; install openings for windows and doors, plus flashing
• Build various brick features, including arches, chimneys, columns, corbels and fireplaces
• Prepare and form for concrete; place, reinforce and finish concrete; patch old concrete work
• Lay brick pavers in basketweave and herringbone patterns; lay interlocking concrete pavers
• Build with or install ceramic tile, glass block, stone, stone veneer and other masonry materials

Instruction begins with cutting bricks and blocks, mixing mortar, laying courses with a variety of brick bonds and other fundamentals before advancing to activities like stonework and tilework. Practicing job-site safety, constructing scaffolds, cleaning brickwork, reading blueprints and working up material and labor estimates are important elements of the course, too.

Students develop their skills through hands-on training in a course lab outfitted with laser levels, mortar mixers, masonry saws and other industry-standard equipment. They often team up with peers in LCTI’s carpentry course to work on projects for community schools and nonprofit organizations.

Course Details

Course length: 9 months

Next start date(s): Fall 2024 dates TBD

Tentative schedule: 8:15 am – 2:45 pm, M-F

Credentials & college credit

Students who complete our course earn the following industry-recognized credentials:

• OSHA Certification via CareerSafe®
• Pennsylvania Builders Association® Skills Certificate
• Pennsylvania Skills Certificate via NOCTI®

Students who complete our course are well-positioned to earn associate degrees at the following school(s):

• Lehigh Carbon Community College

Career Pathways

with credentials earned at LCTI:

• Bricklayer’s Apprentice
• Hardscape Installer
• Mason Tender
• Masonry Restoration Apprentice

with credentials + experience:

• Bricklayer
• Building Inspector
• Masonry Foreman
• Stone Mason
• Tile Setter

with more postsecondary training or college degree:

• Civil Engineer
• Estimator
• Structural Engineer

Learn more about potential career pathways.