Masonry
Masonry Scope and Sequence
Program / Hours: CIP 46.0101 – 2 Year Half Day Program
Course Description: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the laying and/or setting of exterior brick, concrete block, hard tile, marble and related materials using trowels, levels, hammers, chisels and other hand tools. Includes instruction in technical mathematics, blueprint reading, structural masonry, decorative masonry, foundations, reinforcement, mortar preparations, cutting and finishing, and applicable codes and standards.
Learning Activities / Modes of Assessment:
- Small Group
- Large Group
- Independent Work
- One-on-One
- Classwork Activities
- Research Projects
- Research Papers
- Tests and Quizzes
- Project Assessment
Individual Resources:
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- Online Resources
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Computer Applications
- Masonry Equipment and Tools
- Masonry Lab Simulations
Year / MP | Task # | K - Know | U - Understand | D - Do |
Level 1 MP1 | 101 | Tool names and types | How tool selection affects quality and safety | Identify and safely use masonry hand tools |
Level 1 MP1 | 201 | PPE types and uses | Why PPE is essential for masonry safety | Select and wear appropriate PPE for tasks |
Level 1 MP1 | 202 | Tool care procedures | How proper maintenance extends tool life | Clean and store tools after use |
Level 1 MP1 | 203 | Mortar mixer components | How to operate and maintain a mortar mixer | Mix mortar using proper procedures |
Level 2 MP1 | 204 | Scaffolding guidelines | How to safely erect and dismantle scaffolding | Assemble and disassemble scaffolding per OSHA |
Level 2 MP1 | 205 | Material placement | How to stock scaffolding safely | Place materials securely on scaffolding |
Level 1 MP1 | 206 | SDS terminology | How to interpret safety data sheets | Read and follow SDS instructions |
Level 2 MP3 | 301 | Blueprint types | How different plans are used in masonry | Identify and describe blueprint plans |
Level 2 MP3 | 302 | Blueprint symbols | How to interpret masonry drawings | Read and follow blueprint layouts |
Level 1 MP2 | 401 | Modular ruler use | How to measure accurately in masonry | Use spacing rulers for layout |
Level 2 MP2 | 402 | Corner pole setup | How guides assist in wall alignment | Mark and use masonry guide poles |
Level 1 MP2 | 403 | Line setup tools | How to secure mason's line properly | Attach line to blocks and stretchers |
Level 1 MP2 | 404 | Trig setup | How trigs help maintain wall level | Set and adjust trigs correctly |
Level 1 MP2 | 405 | Cutting tools | How to safely cut masonry units | Use hammer and chisel to cut brick/block |
Level 1 MP2 | 407 | Joint finishing tools | How jointers affect mortar joints | Finish joints with appropriate jointers |
Level 1 MP2 | 408 | Saw blade types | How blade selection affects cutting | Identify and select masonry saw blades |
Level 2 MP4 | 501 | Transit use | How to lay out buildings accurately | Use transit to establish building layout |
Level 2 MP4 | 502 | Squaring methods | How to apply the 3-4-5 rule | Square layout using Pythagorean Theorem |
Level 2 MP5 | 601 | Gas saw operation | How to safely use cut-off saws | Operate masonry gas cut-off saw |
Level 1 MP3 | 602 | Mortar mixer operation | How to mix mortar mechanically | Operate mortar mixer safely |
Level 2 MP5 | 603 | Saw operation | How to cut masonry units | Operate stationary or portable saws |
Level 1 MP3 | 604 | Hammer drill use | How drills assist in fastening | Operate hammer drill for masonry tasks |
Level 2 MP6 | 701 | Fastener types | How reinforcements improve stability | Install masonry fasteners and reinforcements |
Level 1 MP4 | 801 | Brick types and bonds | How bonds affect wall strength | Identify and describe brick bonds |
Level 1 MP4 | 802 | Dry bond layout | How to plan brick courses | Lay out dry bond for brick wall |
Level 1 MP4 | 803 | Brick laying techniques | How to maintain alignment | Lay brick to the line |
Level 2 MP4 | 804 | Opening installation | How to frame windows and doors | Install jambs in brick walls |
Level 2 MP4 | 805 | Flashing methods | How flashing prevents water intrusion | Install flashing for openings |
Level 2 MP4 | 806 | Vent systems | How weep holes aid drainage | Install weep holes and vents |
Level 2 MP4 | 808 | Soldier course layout | How decorative courses are used | Install soldier course in wall |
Level 2 MP4 | 809 | Composite wall design | How brick and block combine | Lay brick/block composite wall |
Level 1 MP4 | 810 | Column construction | How columns support structures | Build brick columns |
Level 2 MP4 | 811 | Veneer wall design | How veneers differ from full walls | Construct brick veneer wall |
Level 2 MP4 | 812 | Cavity wall concept | How cavities improve insulation | Discuss brick cavity wall design |
Level 2 MP4 | 813 | Corbeling technique | How corbels add support and style | Corbel a brick wall |
Level 2 MP4 | 814 | Cleaning methods | How to maintain masonry appearance | Clean brick wall surfaces |
Level 2 MP4 | 815 | Rowlock course | How rowlocks enhance design | Lay rowlock course |
Level 2 MP4 | 816 | Header course | How headers tie walls together | Lay header course |
Level 1 MP4 | 817 | Jamb lead setup | How leads guide wall construction | Construct brick jamb lead |
Level 1 MP4 | 818 | Inside corner layout | How corners affect wall integrity | Build 4" brick inside corner |
Level 1 MP4 | 819 | Outside corner layout | How to maintain corner alignment | Build 4" brick outside corner |
Level 1 MP4 | 820 | Trowel techniques | How to spread mortar effectively | Perform brick trowel techniques |
Level 1 MP5 | 901 | Block types and bonds | How block bonds affect strength | Discuss block types and bonds |
Level 1 MP5 | 902 | Block laying techniques | How to maintain alignment | Lay block to the line |
Level 2 MP5 | 903 | Brick ledge layout | How ledges support brickwork | Construct brick ledge with block |
Level 1 MP5 | 904 | Control joint concept | How joints prevent cracking | Discuss control joint placement |
Level 2 MP5 | 905 | Opening installation | How to frame block openings | Install jambs in block walls |
Level 2 MP5 | 906 | Lintel setting | How lintels support openings | Set lintels in block walls |
Level 2 MP5 | 907 | Pier construction | How piers support loads | Construct block piers |
Level 1 MP5 | 908 | Cleaning methods | How to maintain block appearance | Clean block wall surfaces |
Level 1 MP5 | 909 | Pargeting technique | How to apply mortar finish | Parget block wall |
Level 1 MP5 | 910 | Jamb lead setup | How leads guide block walls | Construct jamb block lead |
Level 1 MP5 | 911 | Corner lead setup | How corners affect layout | Construct corner block lead |
Level 1 MP5 | 912 | Trowel techniques | How to spread mortar effectively | Perform block trowel techniques |
Level 1 MP6 | 1001 | Mortar types | How mortar properties affect use | Describe mortar types and characteristics |
Level 1 MP6 | 1002 | Hand mixing methods | How to mix mortar manually | Mix mortar by hand |
Level 1 MP6 | 1004 | Tempering process | How tempering affects mortar workability | Temper mortar correctly |
Level 2 MP1 | 1101 | Chimney/fireplace parts | How components function together | Identify chimney and fireplace parts |
Level 2 MP1 | 1102 | Fireplace construction | How fireplaces are built safely | Discuss fireplace construction steps |
Level 2 MP1 | 1103 | Brick chimney build | How to construct vertical flues | Build brick chimney |
Level 2 MP1 | 1104 | Block chimney build | How to use block in chimney work | Build block chimney |
Level 2 MP1 | 1105 | Flashing methods | How flashing prevents leaks | Discuss chimney flashing techniques |
Level 2 MP3 | 1201 | Arch terminology | How terms describe arch parts | Discuss arch terminology |
Level 2 MP3 | 1202 | Arch types | How different arches are used | Identify types of arches |
Level 2 MP3 | 1203 | Arch construction | How to build stable arches | Construct masonry arch |
Level 2 MP4 | 1301 | Brick estimation | How to calculate materials and cost | Estimate brick work requirements |
Level 2 MP4 | 1302 | Block estimation | How to calculate materials and cost | Estimate block work requirements |
Level 2 MP4 | 1303 | Concrete estimation | How to calculate volume and cost | Estimate concrete area and volume |
Masonry Scope and Sequence PDF
Masonry Syllabus
Program Description: Students in the Masonry Program will learn the foundational skills needed to be successful in the masonry field, including working with brick, concrete block (CMU’s), and concrete. While in the program, students will learn industry expectations and employability skills. In addition, students will also learn the responsibilities of a foreman, and have the opportunity to lead peers in daily, weekly, and job specific duties. Each student should come each day prepared for both theory and shop work and put forth their best effort.
Career opportunities range from a mason apprentice to block layer, bricklayer, estimator, or construction supervisor and may begin in high school with a co-op position providing job experience and a salary. The 500 members in the Lebanon County Builders Association as well as the Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association sponsor this program, provide student scholarships and employ graduates.
Two Year Half-Day Program
Year One: 8:00am – 10:25am (36 weeks – 3 credits)
Year Two: 11:25am – 2:00pm (36 weeks – 3 credits)
Program Costs:
Students are required to purchase the following at an estimated cost of $100.
- Uniforms
- Work Boots
Job Titles – Career Pathways (Find online at http://www.onetonline.org) :
- Bricklayer
- Mason’s Apprentice
CTC Knowledge Transfers to College Credits at: (www.collegetransfer.net select search and SOAR credits at the bottom)
- Thaddeus Stevens Collebe of Technology- Ten credits are aligned to CIP 46.0101, Masonry Technology, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program.
- MASN 101 Intro to Tools and Equipment
- MASN 105 Introduction to Masonry Construction
- MASN 155Block Construction, Bearings, and Anchoring Systems
- ABC Keystone Registered Apprenticeship upon commencement of the LCCTC Masonry program and meeting qualifications:
- Average grade of 80% or higher
- Maintain a 95% attendance record (except for extenuating circumstances)
- Score proficient on the task list
Certifications Available
NOCTI
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) provides industry-based credentials and partner industry certifications for students enrolled in career and technical education programs.
PDE and Local Credentials and Certifications
Step Ladder | American Ladder Institute |
Single and Extension Ladder | American Ladder Institute |
Articulated Ladder | American Ladder Institute |
Mobile Ladder | American Ladder Institute |
About Your Instructor
Instructor Name: | Mr. Clay Roach |
Hire Year: | 2026 |
Biography
I began my career in 1999 as an apprentice bricklayer with Caretti Inc. I worked for Caretti Inc. for over 20 years. I completed my apprenticeship in 2002 becoming a journeyman bricklayer. In 2014, I became a project foreman. I take immense pride in my work and the buildings I have worked on. I have always enjoyed teaching my apprentices the masonry trade and the work skills needed to succeed. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, hunting, riding four-wheelers, and spending time with my family and friends.
Education
- Northeastern Senior High School
- International Masonry Institute
Certifications and Awards
- OSHA 10 and 30
- First Aid / CPR
- Foreman Training
- Anti-Harassment Training
- Mentorship Matters Training
Work Experience
- Caretti Inc. Mason / Foreman 1999-2015 and 2021-2025
- BAC Local 5 PA, Field Representative 2015-2021
- PA Masonry, Foreman 2025-2026
Masonry Behavior and Safety Procedures
- You must observe the office safety policies in place within the classroom.
- You must observe the shop safety policies in place within the workshop.
- Students will complete the safety program leading to certification.
- No outside electronic devices will be allowed.
- In case of an injury, regardless of severity, it must be reported to the instructor.
Masonry Tools & Equipment (major focus tools/equipment)
The following is a list of tools and equipment that students will receive instruction on:
- Masonry hand tools (trowel, striking iron, hammer, tape measure, etc)
- Mortar mixer
- Masonry saws (portable and stationary)
Grading Scale
The LCCTC grading system incorporates three components: competencies (skill— 33.3%), career skills (work ethic— 33.3%), and theory (knowledge—33.3%). Each academic class implements a performance evaluation/student grading system that incorporates career skills (work ethic), and theory (knowledge). Each component is weighted equally.
Please refer to the Student Handbook, available on the school website at http://www.lcctc.edu for a complete list of grading components.
Progress Reports
Students will receive a “Progress Report” each mid-quarter through the mail for any student with a 70% or less, and a “Report Card” will be given to each student at the end of each quarter. It is the student's responsibility to share this information with their parents/guardians. Both reports will utilize student performance data obtained from competencies, career skills, and theory grades.
Please Note: 40% is the minimum grade for the first 3 marking periods. However, students with excessive absences may be assigned an earned grade with administrative approval. There is no minimum grade for the 4th marking period.