Apprenticeship Programs

Painter-Decorator (Painter Construction)

Painters and Decorators apply decorative and protective finishes in residential, commercial, and institutional. They prepare a variety of surfaces (wood, masonry, drywall, plaster, concrete, synthetics, stucco and metal) prior to the application of materials such as paint, high performance coatings, varnish, shellac, wall covering and special decorative finishes.

Term of Apprenticeship

The term of the occupation shall be approximately three years with and OJL (On the Job Learning) of 4572 - 7052 hours supplemented by the required Related Instruction (RI) of 432 hours.

Apprentice Wage Schedule

Apprentices shall be paid a progressively increasing schedule of wages based on a percentage of the current journey-worker wage rate.

First Year:
- 1st stage 1000 hours period: 70%
- 2nd stage 1000 hours period: 75%
Second Year:
- 3rd stage 1000 hours period: 80%
- 4th stage 1000 hours period: 85%
Third Year:
- 5th stage 1000 hours period: 90%
- 6th stage 1000 hours period: 95%

Work Environment

Painters and Decorators may work with some physical discomfort when preparing surfaces or applying coatings in awkward positions. Painters and Decorators may work indoors and/or out doors and must stand for long periods, often working from scaffolding and ladders. Their jobs also require a considerable amount of climbing and bending. These workers must have stamina, because much of the work is done with their arms raised overhead.

Drywall Finisher (Taper)

Drywall Tapers and Finishers apply tape over drywall seams and apply additional coats of drywall compound to provide smooth or textured surface that is ready to accept whatever finish has been chosen for it.

Term of Apprenticeship

The term of the occupation shall be approximately three years with and OJL (On the Job Learning) attainment of 2482 - 4442 hours supplemented by the Related Instruction (RI) of 476 hours.

Apprentice Wage Schedule

Apprentices shall be paid a progressively increasing schedule of wages based on a percentage of the current journey-worker wage rate.

First Year:
- 1st stage 1000 hours period: 70%
- 2nd stage 1000 hours period: 80%
Second Year:
- 3rd stage 1000 hours period: 85%
- 4th stage 1000 hours period: 95%
Third Year:
- Until completing the Related Instruction (RI) of 476 hours.

Work Environment

Apply adhesives to construction materials.
Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
Drill holes in construction materials.
Install metal structural components.
Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
Prepare surfaces for finishing.
Remove excess materials from finished construction projects.
Select construction materials.
Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist

Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialists apply/install protective coatings and linings to steel and concrete on complex structures, such as bridges and towers; waterfront structures, such as locks and dam, ship hulls, offshore platforms, bulkheads, and piers; metal and manufacturing facilities; chemical and processing facilities and conventional and nuclear power generation facilities.

Terms of Apprenticeship

The term of the occupation shall be approximately three years with an OJL (On the Job Learning) attainment of 4634 - 6032 hours supplemented by the required Related Instruction (RI) of 576 hours.

Apprentice Wage Schedule

Apprentices shall be paid a progressively increasing schedule of wages based on a percentage of the current journey-worker wage rate.

First Year:
- 1st stage 1000 hours period: 70%
- 2nd stage 1000 hours period: 75%
Second Year:
- 3rd stage 1000 hours period: 80%
- 4th stage 1000 hours period: 85%
Third Year:
- 5th stage 1000 hours period: 90%
- 6th stage 1000 hours period: 95%

Work Environment

By the nature of their work, Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialists often work in dangerous environments such as bridges high over waterways, other highways or railroads, or in confined spaces such as shipboard spaces, small vessels or storage tanks. Because of this, Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialists are require to receive more specialized training in health and safety due to the hazards associated with their work.