Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons
Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons
Photo: Pexels.com
The Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) represents workers in two major segments of the construction industry: concrete and plaster. Both segments have multiple specialty fields and niche markets which are essential to maintaining the variety and quality of construction projects throughout North America.
Cement masons and plasterers are the craftspeople who work primarily with concrete and plaster materials, using a variety of skills and tools unique to this basic trade. An apprentice working as a cement mason will do the “finishing” work that complete jobs like curbs and sidewalks on highways, buildings, and in communities.
Plasterers are craftspeople whose work might include ornamental and decorative plaster installation, restoration projects, sculpting, installing veneers and artificial marbles, or creating molded props for the entertainment industry utilizing the tools, adhesives and skills learned in apprenticeship training.
Photo: Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ International Association
IBEW Local Union 24 member and Maryland State Senator Cory McCray is the only member of the Maryland General Assembly to have completed a registered apprenticeship.
He is also the author of a new book — “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life” — which details his journey from the street corners of Baltimore to a registered apprenticeship and career as a union electrician, and then on to being elected to the Maryland State Senate.The book was released September 30th, 2025.
You can order a copy from Powell’s, a unionized independent bookstore in Portland, OR, whose employees are represented by ILWU Local 5.
Earn While You Learn!
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have 11th grade education or equivalent.
- Have reliable transportation.
- Be in good physical condition.
Application Procedure
Applications are accepted the first week of February, Monday through Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Each applicant should bring his or her high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and their social security card. After successfully passing the drug test, applicants will be called back to sign formal apprenticeship agreement papers. They will then be required to report to the union office to apply for membership.
Contact Info
Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons, Local #891
1517 Kenilworth Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 398-5858
Training Center
Jim Miller
1517 Kenilworth Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 398-5859
Great Pay
Starting wages are 55%
of journeyman scale with annual increases every six months up to 95% of journeyman scale.
Excellent Benefits
- Health and welfare plan.
- Retirement pension plan.
Photo: Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ International Association