Apprenticeship in Stone Masonry

Program Overview

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), in collaboration with Soudah Development Company, offers the Traditional Stone Building Apprenticeship Program. This program provides knowledge, skills, and behavioral competencies across several areas, including knowledge related to the traditional architectural styles of the Kingdom, and the Soudah region specifically.

The program covers the principles of documentation, heritage assessment, and the properties of selected building materials. Apprentices participate in the construction of a real-life model of a stone building under the supervision of expert craftsmen in traditional construction, thereby ensuring the transfer of manual skills and the development of a new generation of qualified national cadres.

The program offers valuable opportunities for those interested in traditional construction and aims to cultivate a skilled national workforce in traditional building crafts. It equips participants with the theoretical and practical knowledge, values, and experience related to these techniques through direct communication with the craftsmen who contributed to the construction of traditional buildings in the Kingdom. The program provides a comprehensive and in-depth educational experience, a unique opportunity to master a rare craft and contribute to its revival, given the increasing interest in traditional crafts.

Program training levels 

Level 1: Focusing on the history, concepts, terminology, and materials of the craft. Participants will master foundational techniques by learning directly from expert artisans.

Level 2: Enhancing design thinking to create specialized products related to the craft. Includes the design and development of craft-based products.

Level 3: Advanced entrepreneurial experience through collaboration with local and international craft partners. It aims to improve product quality and efficiency through scaled production that meets commercial standards, while empowering participants to manage the craft as a business in preparation for entering the job market.

Certificate of completion: An Apprenticeship Program Completion Certificate, which includes details of the skills mastered by the apprentice and the work they have completed.

Admission requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• No prior experience required, but a genuine interest and passion for traditional crafts is essential
• Bachelor's degree in architecture, interior design, or related fields, 
  or
• Graduates of secondary schools specializing in architecture and construction, 
  or
• Holders of a diploma in architecture, interior design, or related disciplines
• Good general health and physical fitness suitable for the nature of the craft, with no chronic illnesses
• Applicants with previous experience in construction, architecture, or heritage-related work are welcome
• Commitment to program guidelines and regulations, successful completion of the interview and hands-on skills test, and full-time availability for training
• Successful completion of a phone interview
• Successful completion of a personal interview
• Submission of written application consisting of short-answer questions
• Submission of a portfolio
• Successful completion of a practical assessment including the use of specific tools and methods
• Other requirements may apply.

To find out more about the program and how to apply, contact the Student Affairs Department Ar@wrth.edu.sa