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Chapter What Do Masonry Workers Do? 1 What do the Great Wall of China , the Taj Mahal , and your school likely have in common? They were all built by masonry workers. Masonry is an ancient trade. Its origins have been traced back about 6,000 years. Masonry workers , who are sometimes known as masons , use brick, tile, cement, stone (marble, granite, limestone, etc.), and other materials to create surfaces and

structures such as buildings, walls, fences, fireplaces, bridges, roads, sidewalks, chimneys and high-temperature furnaces, and other structures. Still others focus on repairing and conserving masonry in historical land- marks or other structures. Masons work for construction companies, small contractors, and government agencies. Others operate their own businesses. Many aspiring masons prepare for the field by completing an apprenticeship. Others partic- ipate in training programs at technical schools or learn via on-the-job training. The U.S. military and other militaries also provide training in cement masonry and concrete finishing. Many cities, states, and countries require masonry contractors to be licensed. Some masonry workers earn certification credentials to show customers that they have met the highest stan- dards established by their industry.

■ ■ Well-known actress and comedienne Whoopi Goldberg once worked as a bricklayer.

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