Apprenticeship Program Descriptions - Painters and Decorators

Painters and Decorators

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PAINTER, CARPENTER-PAINTER, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PAINTER, EQUIPMENT PAINTER, INDUSTRIAL PAINTER/SANDBLASTER, MAINTENANCE PAINTERS, MAINTENANCE SIGN PAINTERS, MARINE PAINTER, PAINTER-DECORATOR, SIGN AND PICTORIAL PAINTER, TAPER (DRYWALL), TRAFFIC CONTROL PAINTER

The Work
Painters and decorators prepare and paint a diverse array of surfaces. There are three main areas of the industry: industrial (steel structures like ship tanks and bridges), commercial buildings (everything from small businesses to high skyscrapers), and residential buildings (homes and small apartments). Painters need to be skilled with a wide variety of hand and power tools, depending upon the type of surface preparation and coating required. Drywall finishing is the work of tapers who fill in and smooth seams in sheets of drywall.

Working Conditions
Work is conducted indoors and outdoors at floor level, on ladders, rigging and scaffolding. Painters and decorators use a variety of chemicals and are exposed to fumes from paints and solvents. Workers may have to travel great distances to work sites. There are often periods of unemployment between jobs. Tapers work generally in warm and dry conditions but may work outdoors in cool conditions sometimes.

The Apprenticeship
This program, depending upon trade, requires 3,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and an additional 144-465 hours of related classroom instruction per year which is usually conducted one night per week after work on your own time. Satisfactory progress must be maintained in training classes.

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

At least 17 years old
Prefer high school diploma or GED
Good physical strength and eyesight
Posssess own transportation