The Caribbean consists of many houses and buildings that hold historical value with beautiful stonework. We are no strangers to the steel enforcements and block building process that it takes to create buildings that are not just beautiful, but also withstand disasters in our future. In this month’s post, the respective routes will provide you with careers you can pursue in Masonry as well as some technical pathways that can be beneficial.
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Academic Routes Technical RouteAcademic Routes
Before you start an academic course, there are a few things that you should consider:
- Entry requirements
- Subjects you need for the career(s) you have in mind
Be sure to speak to us at Brain Food TCI, or any other career advisor you may have access to, if you need assistance where entry requirements are concerned.
Secondary and Post-secondary towards Higher Education
Most, if not all, high schools require you to do CXCs, GCSEs, or any other equivalent to be able to excel to Higher Education (college/university). For institutions in the Caribbean, such as the University of the West Indies, you are required to have 5 CXC (CSEC & CAPE) OR IGCSE & GCE subjects, including Mathematics and English.
If an institution does not have any of these examination bodies listed when searching what is required, search for equivalencies through their admissions page or contact them directly for more information. Also, some courses may require you to have certain subjects other than Mathematics and English that are compulsory for entering the course. Be sure to check the entry requirements to know exactly what is required.
Higher Education
As mentioned earlier, CXCs and/or other equivalents are required to proceed to this level. In higher education, you can obtain:
Undergraduate
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
Postgraduate
- Master’s Degree
- Ph. D.
Depending on your journey and your career choice, you can decide how far you need to go in terms of further education. You do not need to pursue a Master’s degree or Ph. D. unless it is required based on your career choice.
Masonry Related Courses
University of Technology (Jamaica)
UTECH is home to a number of courses in the technical field, including the main course of focus structural and construction engineering. Within this course there are two levels that can be obtained:
- Diploma; and
- Bachelors
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Diploma in Structural Engineering
The objective of this course is to Possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the needs of the construction and engineering sectors locally and regionally and respond to the dynamic changes of a complex construction industry. It also helps you to Possess the rational and analytical abilities to empower graduates to support the management of complex projects, cost and value engineering, related to construction, engineering, facilities management, property maintenance, investment, and marketing. The courses are designed to prepare you for careers such as:
- Project Management
- Structural Technician
- Project/Construction Supervisor
For more programme information, click here. For admission requirements, click here.
Bachelors of Engineering in Construction Engineering
One of the main study goals/aims for this course it to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the needs of the construction industry. It is also designed to provide a theoretical and practical foundation on which graduates can build a professional career in construction engineering leading to legal registration as a “Professional Engineer” .
There are five key objectives of this programme that gives you the full spectrum of what is to be expected:
- Work cooperatively and effectively as team members in the planning, development and execution of construction engineering projects, such as infrastructure works (roads, drainage and sewerage systems), structural engineering (buildings, civil works), housing development etc.
- Manage complex construction projects including planning/programming, organization and control as project managers, design engineers, or site engineers.
- Assess the technical and financial feasibility of proposed projects.
- Initiate and conduct research into aspects of construction engineering such as materials, management systems, mechanization, etc.
- Apply their knowledge, skills and capabilities to the development and improvement of society in an ethical and responsible manner, being cognizant of the impact of engineering on the society from the environmental, economical, social and cultural standpoints.
For more programme information, click here. For entry requirements, click here.
Technical Routes
Internships , Volunteering & Work Experience
Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute
The institute’s mission is to “produce highly skilled individuals with strong work ethics through market driven career and technical education“. The institute has a Masonry certificate programme designed with a sequence of courses to prepare students for entry level in to the workforce. The 18 month programme will help you to develop skills such as block/brick making and laying and mixing mortar. At the end, a certificate of Masonry will be awarded to you.
For more programme information, click here. For entry requirements, click here.
Projects Abroad
Projects supplies people with voluntary opportunities worldwide. For Masonry, a programme that would be suitable when you factor in the location and what you would be participating in is the building of basic infrastructure for disadvantaged communities. The programme will teach you the basics of building, in areas like carpentry work and rendering walls, with supervision by their Building Coordinator.
For more programme information and how to get involved click here.
Participate in local volunteering and Masonry-related programs.
It is encouraged that you take local opportunities in Masonry; experience is the best teacher. Even if it’s volunteering with departments that contribute to the cause, or a family member building a house, take the small opportunities right in front of you. In the Masonry field, there are careers such as Mason, Project Manager, and Construction Engineer just to name a few. If these types of jobs interest you, read on to find out how you can get started.
Here are potential places to seek volunteering opportunities:
- Local Construction Companies
- Architect Firms
The technical routes in this field are quite similar but 100% practical. With the options above, you can obtain skills and experience that can lead you to a successful progression in the field and make it easier to get your foot in the door.
From the information provided, you can start right here in your region and at home. Feel free to embark on those opportunities. Always remember to embrace all opportunities near or far.
Resources
Below is a list of YouTube videos that will bring some insight to Masonry and its functionality.
Brain Food TCI 