 College
isn't for me, but I still want a good job -- what are my options?
A career in the Trade Unions,
through
apprenticeship, offers many opportunities for both; a good
livelihood, advancement and security. The apprenticeship system has long
served as a major source of needed craftsmen, forman and contractors. To
assure the successful completion of your apprenticeship and your future
advancement in the industry, you will need a high school diploma or GED
equivalent, a positive attitude, good coordination and skillful hands.
If your Interested in a challenging and well paying job, in a field which
offers outlets for creative and artistic abilities then here's some information
that we hope will give you the motivation to take the first step on the
path to a great career.
What
is apprenticeship?
The accepted training for
the Painters, Paperhangers, Drywall Finishers and Glaziers is the formal
apprenticeship program. The beginning apprentice receives on the job training
where he learns all aspects of the work under the guidance of of skilled
craftsmen with manipulative training. Formal apprenticeship program is
set up under the supervision of the local joint union / employer apprenticeship
committee. Beginners are protected by written agreements that specify the
time they must put in, what they are paid, and what should be learned.
The training period runs for three years and includes on the job training,
related class room instruction, and a minimum of worked and classroom hours
per year.
| Class work includes subjects
such as color harmony, paint chemistry, estimating costs, mixing and matching
paints and proper methods of application and materials. The last year students
will work to complete their apprenticeship and have the opportunity to
learn advanced skills. |
What
about employment?
Painters, Paperhangers,
Drywall Finishers and Glaziers work in every part of the country with more
work being performed in more populous regions. About 80% of the country's
Union painters and Paperhangers work for painting and decorating contractors,
in both new construction and remodeling. These jobs sites include industrial
plants, office buildings, banks, apartment buildings, churches, schools
and residential homes. The remaining 20% are employed, for the most part,
by institutions such as hotels and hospitals, whose facilities require
continuous maintenance. They may be employed directly by the organization
on whose premises they work or by painting contractors who have contracted
with the organization to maintain it's building. The latter is an expanding
field.
What
would I earn?
Most of the Painters, Paperhangers,
Drywall Finishers and Glaziers, especially those working in large cities,
belong to the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. This union together
with the employers, set minimum wage rates in negotiated labor agreements
in each local area. Hourly rates, health and welfare benefits and pension
plans vary form one region to another. Foreman earn about 10% more than
journeypersons. Apprentices start at approximately half of the current
journeyperson's rate. Apprentice wages rise at stated periods until, upon
becoming journeypersons, they receive full pay. |
 |
Are
there job advancement opportunities?
After you become a Journeyperson
you may look forward to advancing to forman, superintendent or cost estimator
for a employer or contractor. Additionally, skilled Journeypersons are
superintendents
of large contract
jobs. Many of the most successful contractors are former apprentices.
Ready
to apply to the program?
 |
 |
District Council 21 accepts
Apprentice applications exclusively on-line. Walk in applications are no
longer being accepted. If you are interested in applying CLICK
HERE.
You will be given specific
instructions to follow to assure the accuracy of your application.
For
specific information and qualification requirements regarding our Trades
please visit the Education and Training section of our web site. |
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