Stonemason
Stonemasons cut and shape a range of hard and soft blocks in materials such as granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, bluestone and slate to produce stone monuments and structures. They make kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities, or may specialise in commercial stone facades, architectural features such as fireplaces and window frames, or ornamental garden pieces. They may also repair and maintain historical monuments or buildings.
In Western Australia, stonemasons work on residential and commercial projects, and on old buildings, churches and monuments throughout the State.
Working conditions
Stonemasons work both indoors in manufacturing workshops or factories, and outdoors on residential, commercial and historical buildings. Stone workshops and factories are well ventilated spaces. Stonemasons may be required to work at heights on scaffolding and are required to follow proper workplace safety standards, which minimises any associated risks. They may work overtime or on weekends, depending on the project requirements.
Tools and technologies
Stonemasons interpret blueprints to plan the materials required, and use a range of equipment such as planing machines, gang saws, diamond circular saws and polishers to split, shape and polish stone products. They work from templates and use a variety of chisels, punches and hammers to cut and carve ornamental masonry.
Education and training
To become a stonemason you usually need to undertake a stonemason (no monumental) or stonemason (with monumental) apprenticeship. The apprenticeships usually take 42 months to complete and is available as school-based apprenticeships.
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