Apprenticeship
A Cement Mason finishes the exposed surfaces on many types of construction projects ranging from small jobs, such as the finishing of patios, floors and sidewalks, to work on miles of highways, foundations, and walls of large buildings. The cement finisher levels the surface with a straightedge (a flat tool long enough to extend across the poured concrete area). A float (a rectangular, flat surfaced hand tool) and other hand tools are used to fill depressions and remove high spots, and to draw cement to the surface of the mixture in preparation for the final finishing operations. The cement finisher's knowledge of materials is essential to the quality of work. They must be familiar with working characteristics of cement and concrete mixes, such as those containing substances to speed or slow the setting time, and those which are used to construct weight-supporting walls or surfaces of specified strengths.
A Plasterer, in general, applies and smoothes wet plaster to interior walls and ceilings, and stucco to the exterior of buildings, using trowels and various smoothing tools, such as the darby and float. In addition to the tools mentioned, a plasterer also uses plasterboard (hawk), straightedge, plumb bob and line, spirit level, spray gun, and often a set of molds for ornamental plastering. On interior walls or ceilings, you may first apply a rough coat of scratch plaster to metal or gypsum with a metal comb. The brown coat (mixture of sand and plaster) is applied over the scratch coat, and is smoothed to a uniform thickness. The final or finish coat of white plaster consists of a thin mixture of lime, plaster of paris, and water. The plasterer uses skill with angle float and trowels to obtain a near perfect smoothness and straight corners and edges.
1. Applicant for Apprenticeship must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicant must physically be able to perform work of the trade.
3. Applicant must have a valid drivers license.
4. Applicants securing employment will be required to take a urinalysis test for drugs. The test will be paid for by the apprenticeship fund. Any applicant who has a positive urinalysis test, or has refused to take such a test will not be accepted into the apprenticeship program, but may reapply in one year from the date of the urinalysis test.
Applications will be accepted by the Cement Masons Joint Apprenticeship Committee only on the first and third working Mondays of each month during the hours of 8:00am and 11:00am at the Builders' Association Training Center located at 105 W 12th Avenue, North Kansas City, Missouri.
The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or sex. The sponsor will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as stated in their standards.
Local 518 offers an Apprenticeship Program for Cement Masons and Plasterers. All questions regarding either program can be directed toward the Apprenticeship Coordinator, Tina Read at (816) 595-4132.
Copyright 2015 Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 518