Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท Construction

Stonecutting & Stonemasonry

Stonecutters and stonemasons cut, carve, finish and restore stone, from quarrying to monumental work. It suits creative people who want a physically active craft.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
4 years (7 phases: 4 on-the-job, 3 off-the-job)
Award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft โ€“ Stonecutting and Stonemasonry
Where you train
  • National training centres and colleges (ETBs, TUs)
Pay
Salary from your employer on-the-job (rate agreed with employer); training allowance from your ETB during off-the-job phases
Costs
No student contribution

Entry requirements

  • Must be hired by an approved employer
  • Enough English to take part in training and assessment (e.g. Junior Cycle, Leaving Cert or Leaving Cert Applied, or equivalent proof)
  • Colour vision test may be required for some crafts, so check with your local ETB
  • Full eligibility is in the apprenticeship brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs page on apprenticeship.ie or ask your local ETB.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Cut and finish stone with hand tools and machines
  • Carve, engrave and letter stone
  • Restore and conserve stone
  • Quarrying and extraction techniques
  • Read technical drawings

Where it can lead

  • Self-employed stonecutter and stonemason
  • Work in extraction and processing
  • Work in conservation and restoration
  • Become a manager, business owner or instructor

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Art, Construction Studies, Design and Communication Graphics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Construction apprenticeships

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.