Working Life
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry specialists work in a cross-section of domains within the overall craft such as:
- Cutting stone with hand tools and stonecutting machinery
- Interpreting technical drawings and diagrams
- Stonecutting, stone finishing, monumental stone engraving, lettering techniques, stone carving, decorating and restoring stone
- Mechanical fixing and coping stones for piers
- Conservation and restoration of stone
- Extracting and quarrying techniques
Aspects of Work
- Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence
- Working with and learning from experienced craftspersons
- Seeing a job through from start to finish
- Comply with Health and Safety requirements
- Understanding drawings and diagrams
- Working outdoors
- Using tools or machinery
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
- Working at heights
- Lifting or carrying heavy items.
- Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time.
- Being physically active
- Stretching, bending and kneeling
- Working in cramped and awkward spaces
- Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals skills demonstration)
- Earning as you learn
Qualities -
As a Stonecutter and Stonemason you will need to have good eye/hand coordination and good dexterity. Stonecutters and Stonemasons need strong practical skills and a logoical, well-organised and thorough approach to their work. They also need the ability to follow technical drawings. You must be able to work safely in a hazardous environment.
The environment is often noisy and can be dangerous, so you need to be careful when using equipment and machinery.
Physical fitness is necessary as the work involves a great deal of bending, kneeling, standing, heavy lifting and working in cramped and awakward spaces.
You must enjoy seeing a job through from start to finish.
The Stonecutter and Stonemason must also have the ability to:
- Plan and organise
- Communicate effectively
- Solve problems
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Show a positive attitude
- Recognise the need for good customer relations
- Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
Interests - Stonecutting & Stonemasonry
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Stonecutting & Stonemasonry
Pay & Salary - Stonecutting & Stonemasonry
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
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