The industry today — jobs, demand and future

The stonecutter and stone technician trade is one of the smaller vocational educations by number of students. This does not mean there is no need for skilled workers — on the contrary, a small trade with few graduates can make the individual craftsperson sought-after. Here we look at where the work is and how it can develop.

§Where does a stonemason or stone technician work?

Workplaces range broadly from fine restoration work to more industrial processing. Where you end up depends among other things on your specialty and interests.

• 01Stonemasonry companies that make gravestones, memorials, and monuments
• 02Restoration tasks on churches, castles and older, heritage buildings
• 03Building projects where natural stone is included in facades floors stairs and decoration
• 04Workshops and companies that process stone slabs and natural stone for construction and industry
• 05Cemeteries where stone and monument work is part of operations

§Demand — quality and renewal

Natural stone is a material that lasts for generations, and it creates stable underlying demand: gravestones must be made and maintained, and old buildings must be restored as long as they stand. At the same time, stone is in demand in new construction where it provides an exclusive and durable expression. Because the trade is small, there is not an army of skilled workers to choose from — it can be an advantage for you who has the journeyman's certificate.

§Self-employed or employed?

Many in the trade are employed in established stonemasonry companies, but the craft also lends itself to independence. With a journeyman's certificate, experience and a good reputation, you can eventually start for yourself. It requires knowledge of more than the craft — also calculation, customer contact and company management.

§Technology in an old profession

Even though the trade is built on an ancient tradition it does not stand still. The stonemason specialisation uses machines and digital tools such as CAD drawing and computer-controlled machining are advancing. It does not mean the craft disappears — fine carving work cannot be replaced by machines — but it means the craftsperson who masters both hand and machine stands strongest.

§The future

Sustainability and durability speak in favour of natural stone as a material and interest in preserving our building heritage is stable. The combination of a small trade ongoing tasks and increasing use of technology paint a picture of a trade with room for skilled hands for many years to come. If you want a craft where what you make can last a hundred years you are in the right place.