Cement Masons

Since this job involves using your hands to build surfaces and forms, you might like working as a cement mason if you enjoy building things like sculptures or even sandcastles at the beach. But you also have to use your head—you can learn more about your mental aptitude for this kind of work by taking courses like general mathematics, drafting, and various shop classes. In addition, try to find a summer job on a local construction crew to gain valuable firsthand experience. Some people are introduced to the building construction trades, including the work of cement masons, while they are serving in the military, especially with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Why not help build or repair a walkway where you live? Or ask your local parks department if you can help or at least watch workers making playground areas and skateboard hills. Keep your eyes open for construction work going on in your neighborhood, and ask if you can watch—maybe you'll even be given a hard hat to wear!

Read books about masonry to expand your knowledge of this interesting field. Check out Black & Decker: The Complete Guide to Concrete & Masonry: Build with Concrete, Brick, Block & Natural Stone to learn some masonry lingo and how to complete basic masonry projects.