Cement Masonry, Pre-Apprentice
Training Programs > Construction

Cement Masonry, Pre-Apprentice

Potential earnings range:
$37,336-$76,585*
Per year after graduation

Do you enjoy working with your hands and problem-solving? Do you work well with others and like being outside?  

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Cement Masonry, Pre-Apprentice training program. Pre-apprenticeships are focused on preparing students for a successful experience in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). That means your hands-on training will be based on industry standards in order to prepare you for high-skill, quality employment.    

On the job, you will ...

  • Place concrete by pouring, leveling and finishing concrete 
  • Color concrete surfaces, expose stones in walls and sidewalks, or make beams, columns or panels  
  • Understand how conditions affect concrete and adjust your work to prevent defects

Some of the career options you will have ...

Most Cement Masonry Job Corps graduates go to work for construction firms or contractors. 

Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Cement Masonry and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway. 

The credentials you will earn ...

Students training in the Cement Masonry, Pre-Apprentice training program can earn industry-recognized credentials from the National Plastering Industry Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund (NPIJATF) and certifications in construction health and safety from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ...

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 
  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 
  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 
  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements
* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Oneonta Job Corps Center, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.

Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Xavier Murray
Xavier Murray began his career journey as a graduate of Oneonta Job Corps Center’s Cement Mason program. He worked for 13 years for a construction company, where he continued to master his craft. Now, Xavier serves as a Cement Masonry instructor, where he is able to use his personal experience to shape his students and guide them in their careers. When Xavier is not training his students, he enjoys working in real estate, creating spaces and opportunities for young adults to enjoy fellowship in the Binghamton area, being outside, cooking, and fishing with his three daughters.