Explore the Program
So you want a career as a craftsman?
As a cement mason apprentice, you can expect to learn all phases of concrete finishing including but not limited to: preparation, setting screeds, forms, layout and mixing materials; troweling, rodding, edging, tamping, and jointing. You will learn to set-up and finish steps, cove base, curb and gutter, stamped and stained concrete and decorative finishes. Also, sacking patching, dry packing, repairs and preparations; machine operation, concrete sawing, demolition; epoxy injection; mastic and magnesite; composite work; green concrete construction including but not limited to previous and polished concrete.
The Apprentice
A cement mason apprentice can expect an array of classes and on-the-job training to help develop marketable job skills while receiving hourly wages and benefits. Complete guidance can be expected during the development of skill, integrity, and subsequently pride of work.
A Southern California Cement Mason apprentice can expect to work on a variety of construction projects. Some of the more notable construction projects worked on by union cement masons include Disneyland, Universal Studios, L.A. Live, The Home Depot Center, Southern California freeways, the Kodak Theatre, Library Tower, dams, bridges, school and government facilities, and countless more.
Given the diversity of projects, boredom as a cement mason is not likely.
Program Summary
- Length of program is 4 years
- Complete 80 class hours
- Complete 600 hours of on-the-job training per semester
- Complete a total of 4,800 on-the-job training
Upon completion, become a cement mason journeyman and recognized with:
- Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship by State of California
- Certificate of Completion from U.S. Dept. of Labor-Office of Apprenticeship
How much can you earn as a union cement mason apprentice?
The Southern California Cement Masons Apprenticeship Program has eight different periods of wages and instruction. Each pay period consists of a minimum of eight classes at the present pay period and 600 hours of on-the-job training. This process must be completed for each of the eight pay periods before the apprentice can be considered for advancement to the next pay period.
1st Period
50%
22.00
2nd Period
55%
24.20
3rd Period
60%
26.40
Benefits: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Periods
Health & Welfare, Appr. Training, Supplemental Dues, Industry Advancement, Contract Administration, LMCC Compliance
(Fringe Package: $11.82)
4th Period
65%
28.60
Benefits: 4th Period
Health & Welfare, Appr. Training, Supplemental Dues, Vacation, Industry Advancement, Contract Administration, LMCC Compliance
(Fringe Package: $16.72)
5th Period
70%
30.80
6th Period
75%
33.00
7th Period
80%
35.20
8th Period
90%
39.60
Benefits: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Periods
Health & Welfare, Appr. Training, Supplemental Dues, Vacation, Pension, Defined Contribution (IRA) Industry Advancement, Contract Administration, LMCC Compliance
(Fringe Package: $27.35)
Classroom Training
Training classes are held year-round and are mandatory for all apprentices. Under the guidance of an instructor, apprentices will receive training in the following classroom training:
- History of Cement Industry
- Labor and Management Relations
- Forming
- Hand and Power Tools
- Equipment and Small Engines
- Basic Math, Measuring and Estimating
- Builders Level, Laser Beam and Transit
- Concrete Ingredients, Mixes and Admixture
- Placing, Leveling and all Concrete Finishing Processes
- Reading and Interpreting Blueprints
- Patching and Sacking
- Epoxy, Epoxy Injection and Materials
- Certifications, Endorsements and Safety Identification Cards
Site Preparation
1,000 Hours
Place and Finish Concrete
1,000 Hours
Steps and Base
500 Hours
Curb and Gutter (all types)
500 Hours
Concrete Repair
350 Hours
Machine Operation, Epoxy, Epoxy Injection
150 Hours
Decorative Concrete
1,300 Hours