Apprenticeship & Training

Painting Careers:

Are you interested in a career in the painting business that pays well, health care benefits, retirement benefits and continuing education? Tell me about a career in the painting industry:

It Means You are a Craftsman:

Professional painters are highly skilled craftsmen trained to apply paint and coatings to everything from buildings and warehouses to bridges, ships and industrial equipment. Jobs may include creative decorative applications, or specialized wall covering and wood finishes, in homes and businesses.

It Means Pride in Your Work:

There is a certain pride in showing your friends and family your work. The work of painting professionals is often in the public spotlight. Whether you painted a hospital, sports arena, bridge or new school, you can bet that thousands, maybe even millions of people will see your work!

It Means Job Variety:

Many painters enjoy their careers because they get the chance to work at different job sites. One week you may be painting an office building, while the next week you may be applying decorative finishes to a department store. From bridges, to barges, to buildings, the type of painting you do will vary. As you build your training and job skills, you can look forward to a variety of new challenges.

What is the Apprenticeship and Training Program?

The program combines paid, on-the-job work with classroom instruction. The program is designed to provide the training you need to be a Journeylevel painter.

Who can apply to join this Apprenticeship and Training Program?

You must be 17 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

How do I apply? You must fill out an application.

Where do I get an application for the Apprenticeship program?

Contact: The Painters & Drywall Finishers Apprentice Office
12687 N.E. Whitaker Way Portland, OR 97230
Phone: (503) 287-4856
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or go to www.painterstraining.org

How long is the Apprenticeship program?

It takes approximately three years to complete the apprenticeship program.

Do I have a job during my apprenticeship?

Yes, you will have a paying job with one of the union contractors throughout your apprenticeship.

How much do I earn as an Apprentice?

An apprentice painter starts at 60% of Journeylevel wage. Your wages are considered for re-rating every six months. You will have wage increases as you progress through the program with the goal of being at full Journeylevel after approximately three years. (You need 6,000 hours of work experience and all the required classes to be at Journeylevel.)

Do I have medical and pension benefits when I'm an Apprentice?

Yes, the level of benefits are based on your length of work. You will have full medical benefits after three months and pension benefits when you become75% Apprentice which is 3,000 hours or about a year and a half. Qualified union painters receive health, dental, and vision plans as well as pension and vacation plans.

When do I go to class?

Plan on attending class one night a week during the school year. Classes are held Monday through Thursday evenings and sometimes on Saturdays at the training center. Classes are scheduled during three school terms; fall, winter and spring.

What kind of classes do I take?

Some of the classes you will complete are: Blueprint Reading, Wood Finishes, Specialty Coatings, Color, Sandblasting, Fall Protection, Lead Abatement, Graphics, Drywall, Advanced Drywall, CPR, Health and Safety and Traffic Control.

Does it cost me anything to join the Apprenticeship & Training Program?

No. The cost of your training is paid for by the union painting contractors that will employ you. Tools and equipment are available at the training center to use during your classes. For more information, or questions you may call: Bill Regan at: (503)-287-4856.

Pre-Apprentices:

If you are a high school student you may qualify to start your painting career now and earn money while you train. As a pre-apprentice, you may be able to work summers and part-time during school. Then once you graduate from high school, you can join the apprenticeship program and earn higher wages immediately. Pre-apprentices earn an average of two-dollars above the minimum wage. For information on the about the Painter's Pre-apprentice program call (503) 287-4856.