Marble Setters, Tile Setters, and Terrazzo Workers

Find an interesting construction site and watch workers and apprentices on their jobs. Ask a shop teacher or counselor to arrange an information interview with a worker in the field. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What type of tools and equipment do you use to do your work? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job?

Look into the International Masonry Institute's John J. Flynn International National Training Center (http://imtef.org/national-training-center) in Bowie, Maryland. Once you become an apprentice, you could try to qualify for its 12-week program, which includes housing, food, and a nominal wage.

During one of your summer vacations, try to get some work at construction sites or for general contractors; the work may include mixing mortar, carrying, lifting, and keeping the work area clean.

Finally, if you have access to the Internet, one of the easiest ways to explore these trades is to check out the Web sites of such organizations as the International Masonry Institute (http://imiweb.org), which offers a terrazzo training program; and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (https://bacweb.org). These sites will provide information on training and apprenticeship programs.