The short answer is “Yes!” Masonry classes are fully approved and are part of TEA’s Architectural and Construction Pathway.  Masonry Technology I (TEA Service ID #13006300), Masonry Technology II ( TEA Service ID # 13006400, and Practicum in Masonry Technology (TEA Service ID #’s 13006450 & 13006455) are all ready to be taught.

In general masonry training in North America today is a combination of classroom and on-the-job apprenticeship training covering four or more years to produce a journeyman mason. To train, most masons enter a masonry certificate program (2 to 4 semesters long) or pursue an apprenticeship (3 to 4 years long) with an experienced mason.

Since the 1970’s in North America, vocational skills training has been challenged by a cultural belief that only a four-year college degree is a pathway to economic success. The result: vocational student numbers became fewer over the passing years resulting in masonry training programs being cut back or dropped altogether by the schools because of a lack of students.

Today the pattern of increased demand for qualified masons combined with declining masonry student enrollment has created a “perfect storm.” But the good news is there are several organizations actively working to help fill the gap.

More detail on everything needed to start a masonry program can be found in the Masonry Instructor Portal, but for a quick answer you need 4 main items.

Space – Indoors or outdoors. You will need some space to lay down masonry projects and for storage of materials.

Material – Brick, block, stone, and mortar.  You will need some of the basic materials of masonry to build with.  TMC member manufacturers have been very generous with donations of materials to schools looking to teach masonry and these items can often me delivered at no cost to the school.

Tools – A full list of tools and equipment can be found in the instructors portal.  When buying masonry tools for your classroom make sure to work with TMC as we can often work with our members to get you much reduced pricing for education uses.

Instructor – You will need an instructor with basic masonry and trowel skills or an instuctor willing to spend some time learning those skills.  TMC and our member contractors are eager to help train any vocational instructor in the state that wants to develop the skills necessary to teach masonry.

No matter what part of the State (or country!) we travel to, the overwhelming concern of every mason contractor we meet is where can we find enough quality masons to do all of the work? Nationwide, contractors are looking for masons that are well-skilled with a dedication to the trade and its’ legacy. Providing high school students with career and technical education like masonry provide students with a wealth of opportunities–including the ability to generate a steady income immediately after graduation while receiving debt-free advanced education. Not only will students have the ability to earn money, they will also gain life skills and experiences that will make them successful in BOTH career and LIFE. 

The Texas Masonry Council has a prestigious group of members and industry partners committed to promoting and advancing the industry across Texas. Together, we have local contractors and craftsmen who can come to your classroom and train instructors, who can host instructors on job sites and in masonry education programs, sponsor training and education for local educators, and much more.

Contact us today to see how we can help in your school!