Have you ever wondered what a Mason does?  This video will help answer some of those questions. Feel free to contact us if you would like to know some more.

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s Masonry course breakdown by grade. Each student is required to complete four years of a Career Technical Education program.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Exploratory and Introduction to Masonry General Masonry Residential Masonry Residential/Commercial Masonry

Students deciding to enter the field of Masonry will be introduced to the basics of safety and sanitation, as well the use and care of hand tools, power tools and stationary equipment. The students will identify basic tools and materials used in the masonry trade and are introduced to opportunities and expectations in the masonry field. They will demonstrate and practice mixing mortar, laying masonry units true-to-line and jointing masonry walls. Course safety is reinforced continually throughout the course sequence.

In Grade 10, this program is designed to provide students with theoretical information covering safety, including power tool use, lifting procedures and Material Safety Data Sheets. Students will set up a work area, mix mortar to trade content and consistency, construct masonry lead and pattern bond true to the line. Students will perform both inside and outside production work as it relates to the current curriculum.

In Grade 11, students will demonstrate theoretical competency in general estimating of masonry materials, concrete footings, paving applications, masonry steps, flue chimney building codes and various concrete applications. Students will be able to identify structural components associated with masonry using commercial prints. Students will demonstrate the installation of pavers, masonry steps and concrete flatwork, build a one-flue chimney and erect pipe staging. Students will perform in-school and outside masonry production projects for customers. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

In Grade 12, students will continue with safety their primary focus on the job site, including equipment knowledge, such as ladder, scaffolding and harnessing. Students will demonstrate competency in building codes, arch and fireplace construction, fireplace history and the function of a fireplace. Students will demonstrate the installation of outdoor barbecues, masonry arches and basic fireplaces, as well as building masonry projects from working drawings. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and have entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students will perform both in-school and outside masonry projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, to interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test.

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two- or a four-year engineering degree. Students can obtain immediate employment in the masonry field. Employment opportunities include: concrete installations, brick and block installation, concrete forms installation, construction laborer, fireplace installations, stone, brick and block walls, stone and brick patio installations, retaining wall installations and tile installations.

Coy pond with paver patio and planters

Coy pond with paver patio and planters

Two teams of masonry sophomore students were selected to represent Prince at Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair sponsored by CBIA

Two teams of masonry sophomore students were selected to represent Prince at Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair sponsored by CBIA as part of the Green S.T.E.P. Both teams had display boards for their projects. Although neither of the two were selected to be a finalist, the projects were considered for preliminary judging for Environmental Awards and Pfizer Life Sciences Awards

Class of 2018 students stand before their newly completed Bread Oven (pizza!!) project.

Class of 2018 students stand before their newly completed Bread Oven (pizza!!) project.