City of Charlotte – Mason Registered Apprenticeship
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in North Carolina / City of Charlotte – Mason Registered Apprenticeship
City of Charlotte – Mason Registered Apprenticeship (Charlotte, NC)
Programs Offered
- Mason Registered Apprenticeship (1-Year Program)
- Hands-on Training in Concrete, Brickwork, and Structural Masonry
- Pathway to a Nationally Recognized Department of Labor Journeyman Credential
Program Overview
The City of Charlotte’s Mason Registered Apprenticeship provides structured training for individuals who want to begin a career in masonry and concrete construction. Apprentices work alongside experienced masonry professionals within the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT), helping construct and maintain concrete curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, and brick structures throughout the city.
This full-time apprenticeship combines supervised fieldwork with classroom instruction to teach foundational masonry techniques, concrete finishing, tool operation, workplace safety, and project execution. Successful apprentices may qualify for a full-time Mason position with the City upon completing the program.
Hands-On Training
Apprentices participate in a variety of masonry and concrete tasks, including:
- Constructing and repairing concrete curbs, sidewalks, gutters, and driveways.
- Learning to mix mortar, set forms, and perform concrete layout tasks.
- Using trowels, floats, power screeds, and other finishing tools.
- Observing how temperature and weather conditions affect concrete curing.
- Supporting bricklaying, form-setting, demolition, and restoration projects.
- Maintaining jobsite safety and adhering to OSHA, city, and federal guidelines.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Program prepares apprentices to earn a nationally recognized DOL journeyman credential.
- Training includes OSHA standards, construction math, blueprint basics, and tool use.
- Graduates may be eligible for full-time Mason positions with the City of Charlotte.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Mason Apprentice: Earn while gaining critical masonry and concrete skills.
- Journeyman Mason: Eligible after completion of the apprenticeship and required assessments.
- Advanced Roles: Opportunities include skilled mason, crew leader, or municipal construction technician.
Program Length
- 1-year registered apprenticeship program.
- Includes classroom education and full-time field training Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- No prior experience required—must be open and willing to learn.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and lift up to 90 lbs.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and time-management skills.
- Ability to obtain a City Driving Permit preferred.
- Must pass background check, drug screening, and physical exam.
Compensation & Benefits
The apprenticeship offers a starting wage of $23.00–$25.75 per hour, with progressive increases based on demonstrated competency. Apprentices receive on-the-job training, city employee support resources, and comprehensive employee benefits if hired full-time after program completion.
Cost & Financial Support
The program is employer-funded with no tuition costs. Apprentices earn full-time wages throughout the training period.
Location
City of Charlotte – Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT)
Charlotte, NC
Work performed throughout city-managed right-of-way areas.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
City of Charlotte – Mason Registered Apprenticeship is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Masonry.
Compensation & Benefits Snapshot
The apprenticeship offers a starting wage of $23.00–$25.75 per hour, with progressive increases based on demonstrated competency. Apprentices receive on-the-job training, city employee support resources, and comprehensive employee benefits if hired full-time after program completion.
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.