Rhode Island’s Apprenticeship Programs Are Transforming the Future of Skilled Masonry Contracting in Providence County

As Rhode Island faces a growing skilled labor shortage, with 104 available workers for every 100 open jobs, the state’s apprenticeship programs are emerging as a critical solution for the masonry contracting industry. Providence County, home to the state’s largest population and construction activity, stands at the forefront of this transformation, where traditional masonry skills meet modern training methodologies to create the next generation of skilled craftspeople.

The Current State of Rhode Island’s Construction Workforce

Rhode Island’s construction industry is experiencing significant challenges as the state’s elderly population is rapidly increasing, while the younger population is either stagnant or declining. By 2025, it is estimated that almost 9% of the state’s population will be seniors aged 75 and older. This demographic shift has created an urgent need for skilled tradespeople, particularly in specialized fields like masonry contracting.

The masonry industry nationwide is facing a shortage of skilled masons, making Rhode Island’s apprenticeship initiatives even more crucial. Skilled masons earn among the highest wages in the construction trades. Often a Journeyman bricklayer will even earn more in wages than a college graduate, making these careers increasingly attractive to young workers seeking stable, well-paying employment.

Rhode Island’s Comprehensive Apprenticeship Infrastructure

Rhode Island has developed a robust apprenticeship ecosystem centered around several key institutions. The program is open to all RIBA and Rhode Island Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) members who would like to sponsor an apprentice at the Rhode Island Construction Training Academy (RICTA). RICTA is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.

Established in 1992, the Academy offers two semesters per year in various trade disciplines and is fully accredited by the NCCER as one of the nation’s leading construction skills training organizations. This accreditation ensures that apprentices receive training that meets national standards while addressing local industry needs.

The state’s approach to apprenticeship is comprehensive, with Registered Apprenticeship being a proven model of job preparation that combines paid on-the-job learning with related instruction to progressively increase workers’ skill levels and wages. It is an employer-driven model that provides an effective way for employers to recruit, train and retain highly skilled workers. As an “earn and learn” strategy, Registered Apprenticeship offers job seekers immediate employment that offers advancement along a career path and a nationally recognized credential.

Masonry-Specific Training and Union Support

For masonry contractors in Providence County, the apprenticeship landscape is particularly rich. Bricklayers Local 3 (Massachusetts) is a labor union representing nearly 3,400 trowel trade workers across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The members of Local 3 engage in various segments of the masonry craft, including bricklaying, stone and marble masonry, waterproofing, plastering, and more.

The union’s commitment to training is evident in their comprehensive programs. BAC Local 3 expands the pool of skilled manpower through its apprenticeship program which is a main priority of the union. The apprenticeship program for the next generation of masonry craftworkers begins with a Pre-Job Training Program. The Pre-Job Training Program is a 10 week program, held at the BAC Local 3 Training Centers, where the apprentices are introduced to the craft by Instructors who have been certified by the International Masonry Institute. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Job Program, the apprentices are placed on local masonry jobsites to continue to learn on the job.

Industry Leadership and Community Impact

Rhode Island’s masonry contractors are taking an active role in supporting apprenticeship programs. Bay State Restoration, recognized as a sponsor of the Rhode Island Bricklayers Apprenticeship System, believes in fostering skilled talent, demonstrating how established contractors are investing in the future of their industry.

Companies like Above & Beyond Chimney Service, based in Norfolk, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and serving Providence, RI, exemplify the type of masonry expertise that apprenticeship programs aim to develop. Their technicians possess in-depth knowledge of chimney construction, codes, and maintenance best practices, acquired through extensive training. Their expertise and commitment ensure they adhere to the highest industry standards when servicing chimneys. For homeowners seeking a skilled Masonry Contractor in Providence County, RI, such companies represent the caliber of craftsmanship that comprehensive training programs produce.

Above & Beyond Chimney Service’s owner, Todd Ramsey, is a well-respected business leader in the area, and is dedicated to continuous company improvement and growth. As a family owned and operated company, they have over 25 years of industry experience and are founded on strong internal values and uncompromising integrity, demonstrating the long-term career potential that masonry apprenticeships can provide.

Educational Pathways and Career Advancement

Rhode Island’s apprenticeship programs offer clear pathways for career advancement. A similar articulation agreement is in process whereby CCRI will accept NCCER apprenticeship training credits as partial fulfillment of the requirements for an Associate degree in Applied Science in Technical Studies. Students completing a typical apprenticeship program may accumulate approximately half of the 71 credits needed to complete this degree. CCRI also offers several advanced articulation agreements with New England Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University, and the University of Rhode Island should a student choose to move on to higher education in Construction Technology, Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture.

This integration between apprenticeship training and higher education ensures that skilled masons can continue their professional development throughout their careers, potentially moving into supervisory, management, or business ownership roles within the industry.

Meeting Consumer Needs Through Skilled Training

For consumers in Providence County seeking masonry services, the investment in apprenticeship programs translates directly into higher quality workmanship and more reliable service. Having served Norfolk and Plymouth Counties for years, experienced contractors understand the impact of coastal moisture on chimney brickwork and the specific creosote buildup patterns resulting from the types of wood commonly burned in this region. This localized knowledge allows them to personalize their cleaning and maintenance techniques for optimal effectiveness in the area.

The specialized training that apprentices receive ensures they understand not just general masonry principles, but also the specific challenges posed by New England’s climate and architectural heritage. This expertise is particularly valuable for homeowners dealing with historic masonry restoration, chimney repairs, and other specialized masonry needs.

Looking Toward the Future

As Rhode Island continues to address its workforce challenges, apprenticeship programs in masonry contracting represent a sustainable solution that benefits workers, employers, and consumers alike. Building Futures meets employer and industry need for skilled workers through the Registered Apprenticeship system while creating family-sustaining career opportunities for low-income diverse residents of Rhode Island.

The success of these programs depends on continued collaboration between unions, contractors, educational institutions, and state agencies. The apprenticeship program combines valuable on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Apprentices emerge from the program as skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen with the credentials and qualifications necessary to obtain employment in their chosen field or to continue their studies and obtain a college degree.

For Providence County residents considering a career in masonry contracting, or for those seeking skilled masonry services, Rhode Island’s apprenticeship programs represent a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern career opportunities. As the state continues to invest in these programs, the future of skilled masonry contracting looks increasingly bright, ensuring that both workers and consumers will benefit from this commitment to excellence in the trades.