Stonemasonry Apprenticeship Level 2
The UK construction industry makes a vital contribution to the economy. However, there is a skills shortage in the industry and this work-based course ensures that staff needs meet national standards. Stonemasonry is a specialist craft and as a Stonemason, you would use your skills to carve architectural features, cut and shape blocks, or lay and fit stonework into place on construction projects.
As a Banker Mason you would follow design instructions to carve and shape stone, and give it a textured or polished finish (known as dressing), using hand and power tools.
As a Heritage Mason you would prepare backgrounds to receive stone cladding and set out basic external stonemasonry on heritage buildings and structures.
Entry requirements
You must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week. As a minimum, you should have 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths. If you do not have grade 4 or above, you will be required to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills in these subjects.
What will I study?
This apprenticeship will give you the knowledge skills and behaviours required to work as a Stonemason. We deliver two routes – Banker Mason and Heritage Mason and will include the following:
- Health and safety to include Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, Manual Handling and Working at Height Regulations, use of PPE etc.
- Select, use and maintain tools, components and equipment appropriate to the task being carried out
- Interpret the appropriate work plan for the job, taking into account factors such as building age, listed status, accessibility, quality of surrounding structures, other trades in the work area, customers and related legislation and regulations
- Identify and confirm masonry requirements against surveys, job sheets, specifications and drawings/CAD, and in accordance with Building Regulations
- Locate, handle, store, load, transport and position materials and tools safely, minimising damage ready for installation and where applicable, in accordance with health and safety regulations
- Produce or repair standard architectural enrichments, prepare backgrounds to receive masonry and to set out basic masonry on buildings/structures
Banker Mason will:
Make moulds and templates in order to produce standard and bespoke stonemasonry components as required and conserve or restore stonemasonry, brickwork or earthen structures.
Heritage Mason will:
Prepare backgrounds to receive stone cladding and set out basic external stonemasonry on heritage buildings/structures and conserve or restore existing stonemasonry, brickwork or earthen structures on Heritage Structures using appropriate heritage techniques and following conservation ethics and procedures.
You will also produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating examples of your work throughout the apprenticeship.
Method of delivery
Stonemason apprentices attend College on block release which is for 2 weeks per term approximately and work for their employer for the rest of the time. If required Functional Skills are delivered as a separate block release.
How is the qualification assessed?
Continual assessment will take place throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. If required, the Functional Skills are assessed through on-line tests
The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will comprise of:
- Observation with questioning that will last 4 hours, 45 minutes
- 60-minute interview based on your portfolio of evidence
Additional course costs
There are no specific College programme related costs, however you will be advised of any additional costs during your application and enrolment process.
Qualifications received
Stonemasonry Apprenticeship Level 2
Good course combinations
It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, T Level or A Level programmes.
Your next steps
The achievement of this apprenticeship will meet the requirement of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Skilled Worker’ standard, which is widely recognised as a ‘license to operate’ in a skilled construction trade. On completion, you can progress to a wide range of employment opportunities in the workplace. Self-employment or starting a business may also be an option.
Candidates may also progress on to higher-level qualifications.
To find out more about how to become an apprentice or how to recruit an apprentice into your business, please contact York College Business Partnership Team:
Tel: 01904 770368
Email: businesspartnerships@yorkcollege.ac.uk
"I came from Scotland, near Glasgow. I didn’t know what subject I wanted to do so my mum suggested stonemasonry. I tried it out, and I liked it. Most Colleges do stonemasonry by machine, which is why I chose York College, as here they do stonemasonry by hand. Following College, I got an apprenticeship at York Minster. I’m loving the course and my work, have made lots of new friends, and am really happy that a few stones of mine are on the building."
