Apprentices: The Natural Stone Laying Trade’s Quality Control System
Most seasoned tradesmen in the dry stone laying field have at least one person helping them out while learning the ins and outs of working with natural stone. That’s the apprentice: someone participating in an ancient tradition that continues to help train stone layers, masons and other professionals working in natural stone to the highest levels of skill.
A skilled apprentice learns to work with two or three tradesmen at once. He learns the major types and properties of natural stone and its role in landscaping, construction, veneers, interiors – the exact degree of knowledge depends on how much the apprentice’s teacher knows. Beginner’s knowledge in the trade is enough to fulfil requests quickly, including selecting materials, ordering from natural stone retailers and helping with actual stone laying.
Through it all, it’s the apprentice’s duty to keep his eyes open, ears alert and mind inquisitive. He should ask questions about the trade whenever his teachers can spare the time to answer them, get plenty of practice in all aspects of the trade – and be patient. It takes time to learn to professional standards. I’ve seen many young apprentices work for a trades-person for one year or less, start a business of their own, and leave a trail of disappointed clients in their wake. No amount of (over)confidence and talent can replace practice.
It takes years of working with good stone layers to acquire the ability to visit any job site and work through the different tasks that arise. So if a tradesman that tells you he apprenticed under an excellent professional, get the teacher’s name. Learn his reputation and give him a call. If the natural stone worker you’re thinking of hiring is skilled, his or her teacher will be proud to recommend the former apprentice.
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