PAINTER, TAPER, WALLCOVERER, FLOOR COVERER

Nature of Work:
Finisher. The Painting and Decorating Industry, unlike some trades, is artistic and professional. It must draw people who have a natural aptitude in using brushes and tools in a neat and efficient manner, a natural talent or feel for color and harmony, and at the same time attract people who are gifted with such qualifications as tact, cleanliness and personality. The Painter, Decorator, Wallcoverer comes in contact with offices, stores, and homeowners who appreciate their investments in their property.

Physical Demands:
Medium work: Should be able to lift or carry up to 25 pounds; frequent lifting or carrying 5 gallon paint cans. Should be able to climb a ladder, balance on a swing stage, be able to perform in small restricted areas and see what is happening around him.

Base Wage for Trained Journeyman:
Journeyman: Painter $25.80    Floorcoverer $23.03
Apprentice:    Painter $10.32    Floorcoverer $10.36

Benefits Under Union:
Health and Welfare, vacation, apprenticeship fund, industry promotion, pension (National).

Working Conditions:
Both inside and outside, with exposure to extreme heights and small restricted areas. Hazardous chemicals and dusty conditions. Work from ladders, scaffolds, swing stages and lifts. Must wear painters whites, and protective gear.

Training duration:
Minimum of three (3) years of related instruction classes in all subjects related to the trade for at least 432 hours, or 144 hours during each year of the term of apprenticeship.

A minimum of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training. Related instruction includes color mixing and matching, preparation of surfaces, special finishes, special textures, handling of tools, wallcovering, spray painting, blueprint reading, O.S.H.A. certification, CPR-First Aid certification, Lead Abatement certification, respirator certification and other safety related classes.

The Apprenticeship course is three years in which you learn to become a Professional dry wall finisher (taper) and painter. Instruction includes preparation, care and use of drywall taping equipment and tools, drywall taping process, special texturing, hanging vinyl, wallpaper, modern coatings.

The Apprenticeship Standards provide that applications will be received without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or sex. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.