what does a mason do?
Masons build and repair chimneys, walls, tunnel linings and decorative features such as arches. You will use blocks, including bricks and mortar, to erect buildings in line with approved construction plans. You may also refurbish masonry and brickwork as part of restoration projects.
The range of sites and projects includes large commercial developments, new housing construction, and building conversions or extensions.
what is your mission as a mason?
A mason’s mission is to construct the external shell of a building, whether a house, a school, a bridge, or any other type of structure. Certain safety equipment is mandatory, notably safety boots and a hard hat. Some masonry jobs require gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, or even a safety harness.
Buildings would certainly not be built without the expertise of masons, who create walls that are watertight, weather resistant and safe.
Mason roles are likely to be in high demand, as public spending is focused on constructing new homes and schools in the coming years. This makes masonry a relatively secure career choice.
If you enjoy precision and manual work, and can adapt to different terrains both outdoors and indoors, a masonry role could be a good fit. Discover which skills and qualifications you need to become a mason.
explore our vacanciesaverage salary for a mason.
The average salary for an entry level mason is €33,000 gross per year, social minimum wage. This will of course increase with years of professional experience, potentially reaching up to €50,000 gross per year.
which factors determine salary in a mason role?
A mason’s salary depends primarily on experience. After several years in the trade, if you progress to a team leader position, you will be better paid. Seniority can also be a route to starting your own business, which can increase monthly income, provided you conduct appropriate market research before launching.
types of mason roles.
There are different types of mason roles, such as:
- Refractory mason, a refractory mason repairs or builds furnaces, tanks and other structures that resist heat and corrosion. You may work in industrial environments to replace bricks damaged by corrosion or water. Outside industry, refractory masons work in residential areas to help homeowners repair and build chimneys.
- Pointing mason, as a mason specialising in pointing, your work focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of masonry. For example, where parts of the mortar have deteriorated, you can remove them and fill the joints with new mortar to improve the finish.
working as a mason.
Masonry is above all physical work, requiring appropriate protective equipment and sound decision making. Under the supervision of the site manager, the mason works alongside the various trades involved in the construction sector. Learn more about the day to day work of a mason, working time arrangements, and career prospects.
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tasks and responsibilities
As a mason, depending on the sites and situations, the companies and the professionals you work with, you will:
- gather the necessary tools and materials
- prepare the ground and carry out structural works
- install foundations, floors, screeds, slabs and horizontal frameworks
- assemble and position steel reinforcement components for concrete
- build walls using bricks, blocks and breeze blocks
- build, install or repair formwork and pour concrete and other binders
- assemble prefabricated elements
- complete pointing, prepare and apply plaster to internal and external façades
- create different types of openings, such as doors and windows
- read, understand and verify plans
- lead teams or manage a site, according to your seniority
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working environment
As a mason, you work outdoors in all weather, and you may move from one site to another. Depending on the type of project, significant time may be spent on ladders or scaffolding. On large commercial buildings, masons may work at height and in noisy or dusty conditions. Sites are generally relatively local, but masons are sometimes required to work away from home. Accommodation and meals are usually provided in these circumstances, together with a higher level of pay.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues may include groundworkers, formworkers and electricians. You may also work with painters and other specialists, such as carpenters.
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work organisation
Depending on the season, masons usually work 40 hours each week. Overtime in the evening, at night, and at weekends is common in order to finish a project before or by its deadline. There are also many opportunities to work abroad on short or long term projects, with significant bonuses based on objectives met. These contracts are often filled by highly qualified construction workers or specialists in masonry.
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career prospects
A qualified mason can aim for supervisory roles, team leader, then site foreman and works manager. With several years of experience and potentially additional training, you can also specialise in specific areas such as stonemasonry, restoration, or heritage conservation. Another development path is to support the next generation by moving into teaching, a field that currently has strong demand for experienced masons. Finally, if you have an entrepreneurial mindset, setting up your own masonry company is another way to progress in your career.
getting a mason role with randstad.
When you search for your mason role with Randstad, you benefit from attractive advantages, such as:
- a wide variety of companies to work in and development opportunities
- an experienced point of contact to support you when needed
- a broad range of opportunities in your sector
- weekly or monthly pay depending on the assignment
- permanent contracts, CDI, fixed term contracts, CDD, and temporary assignments
Would you like to be hired on a CDI, permanent contract? In many cases, working in a temporary assignment as a mason is a first step and acts as a springboard to obtaining a permanent contract. Many companies also recruit employees on a CDI via Randstad.
training and skills.
To become a mason in Luxembourg, it is essential to have technical skills in construction and masonry, as well as the ability to work effectively on construction sites. A mason builds, repairs or renovates structures using materials such as bricks, concrete, mortar and stone. The following are the types of training and skills required to become a mason in Luxembourg:
- Vocational training in masonry, the first step is to complete a vocational programme in masonry. This training is usually provided by vocational schools or specialist construction training centres. It covers masonry techniques, handling construction materials, formwork and concrete pouring, as well as site safety. These skills can be gained by obtaining a CAP or BEP in masonry, a vocational baccalaureate or BTS in construction, or through a DAP, Diplôme d’Aptitude Professionnelle, or CCP, Certificat de Capacité Professionnelle, via an apprenticeship.
- On the job training, in addition to vocational training, many masons gain experience through on the job apprenticeship programmes. Working alongside experienced masons makes it possible to learn best practice and acquire practical skills.
- Ability to read plans, a mason must be able to read and interpret plans and technical drawings to understand project specifications. This competence is essential in order to perform masonry tasks in accordance with site guidelines.
- Knowledge of construction materials, a mason must know the different types of construction materials, such as bricks, concrete, mortar and stone, and the appropriate techniques for using them in various situations.
- Teamwork skills, working on a construction site requires good collaboration with other construction professionals. Teamwork and communication skills are therefore important for a mason.
know how and competencies.
To carry out their tasks successfully, a mason is advised to possess the following skills and competencies:
- knowledge of construction materials and the techniques to be used depending on the type of site
- mastery of safety standards on construction sites and of the equipment required to protect workers effectively
- ability to read and interpret plans, to set out and mark on site, following the instructions provided
- initiative, in order to find solutions when problems arise during construction or renovation
- team spirit, in order to coordinate actions with colleagues
- good physical condition, to work in all weather conditions, indoors and outdoors
- ability to work at height without suffering from vertigo, particularly on sites that require the use of ladders or scaffolding
- caution, to work safely at all times
- precision and rigour, to follow plan instructions down to the smallest detail
- strong interpersonal skills, especially if you progress to a team leader role
FAQs.
FAQs about the mason profession
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what do masons do?
Masons work with a range of materials, including clay bricks and concrete blocks, to build and repair structures, walls, chimneys, paths and foundations. These projects may be residential, commercial or industrial, depending on the company that employs them.
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is masonry an interesting profession?
Becoming a mason is an excellent trade with many career paths and opportunities for progression. The career also requires minimal qualifications to get started.
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can you work as a crane operator if you suffer from vertigo?
By choosing the crane operator profession, you accept working at heights that may exceed 30 metres. These conditions are entirely incompatible with a tendency to vertigo. In the event of an episode, you could endanger your work, your life and the lives of your colleagues.
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what qualifications are required to become a mason in luxembourg?
To become a mason in Luxembourg, you generally need to obtain a professional qualification in construction or complete appropriate vocational training. Some companies may also require specific certificates linked to particular competencies. In addition, solid practical experience in masonry is essential. Mastery of construction techniques, reading plans and handling tools are fundamental skills for success in this profession.
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how do you find a job as a mason in luxembourg?
Applying is straightforward, create a Randstad account and browse the vacancies in your sector, then send us your CV and cover letter.
