NWTC Cement Mason Apprenticeship
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Wisconsin / NWTC Cement Mason Apprenticeship
Cement Mason Apprenticeship – Wisconsin Masonry & Trowel Trades – NWTC
Program Information
The Cement Mason Apprenticeship Program offers comprehensive, paid training for individuals seeking careers in the masonry and trowel trades. This apprenticeship is designed to develop skilled craftworkers capable of working across a wide range of construction environments, from residential and commercial buildings to industrial and infrastructure projects. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in cement finishing, bricklaying, block laying, plastering, tile setting, and related masonry specialties. Training varies depending on the type of structure, materials used, and bonding techniques required, allowing apprentices to develop versatile, in-demand skills.
Cement masons and masonry craftworkers are responsible for constructing and finishing foundations, walls, floors, fireplaces, chimneys, arches, and decorative masonry features. Apprentices learn both foundational and advanced techniques, including layout and measurement, surface preparation, concrete placement and finishing, refractory brick installation, and intricate masonry work. This trade requires precision, manual dexterity, spatial awareness, and the ability to read blueprints and specifications accurately.
The apprenticeship covers a broad range of trowel trades, often referred to collectively as masonry crafts. These include bricklaying, block laying, cement finishing, plastering, and tile setting. Apprentices may also gain exposure to specialty applications such as decorative masonry, glass block installation, ornate arches, fences, fireplaces, and industrial furnace linings. Training is structured to ensure apprentices are prepared to work safely and efficiently on modern construction sites while maintaining the high standards expected of skilled masonry professionals.
This is a paid apprenticeship with progressive wage increases as skills and experience are gained. Apprentices work under the supervision of skilled journey-level craftworkers while completing required classroom instruction. The program combines paid day-school instruction with additional non-paid night classes that cover essential safety certifications and technical knowledge. Graduates of the program complete their training as journey-level cement masons or masonry craftworkers, prepared for long-term careers in the construction industry.
Program Length
- Approximately 42-month apprenticeship program
- Total of 4,200 to 5,460 hours, depending on masonry trade
- 3,700 to 4,960 hours of on-the-job training with skilled craftworkers
- 500 hours of paid related instruction (day school)
- 80 hours of non-paid related instruction (night school)
Hands-On Training
Apprentices receive real-world training in:
- Bricklaying and block laying techniques
- Cement finishing and concrete surface preparation
- Plastering, tile setting, and decorative masonry applications
- Blueprint reading, layout, measuring, and estimating
- OSHA safety, First Aid/CPR, welding basics, and advanced blueprint reading
Program Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years old (or 17 with high school completion)
- Valid driver’s license
- Completion of application and assessment testing
- Minimum Accuplacer benchmarks in math and reading
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Journey-level cement mason or masonry craftworker designation
- Careers in residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction
- Long-term employment opportunities with competitive wages and skill mobility
Location
Masons Business Office
1570 Elizabeth Street
Green Bay, WI 54302
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
NWTC Cement Mason Apprenticeship is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Concrete.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
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.