Stonemason
Level 2 · IntermediateConstruction and the built environment 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 2 apprenticeship trains stonemasons in the traditional crafts of cutting, shaping, and laying natural stone for new build and conservation projects. Apprentices may specialise in banker masonry (workshop carving), fixer masonry (on-site laying), or memorial masonry. It can lead to roles as a Senior Stonemason, Master Craftsperson, or Heritage Conservation Specialist.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Properties of stone types including limestone, sandstone, and granite
Traditional and modern tools for cutting and shaping stone
Setting out and following working drawings for stone elements
Fixing stone using correct bedding mortars and fixings
Conservation principles for working on historic buildings
Health and safety including silica dust control and PPE use
Carving ornamental details and mouldings by hand
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Cut and shape stone to profiles from working drawings
Carve decorative details using chisels and mallets
Lay and fix stone in buildings or landscapes on site
Mix and apply appropriate bedding and jointing mortars
Carry out conservation repairs on historic stonework
Control stone dust using wet methods and respiratory protection
Maintain tools and equipment used in stoneworking
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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