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Drywall Finisher Apprenticeships
Drywall Finishing is the art of preparing gypsum board walls and ceilings for specific final decoration and painting by taping and finishing the seams in sheets of drywall requiring a high degree of manual dexterity. Drywall Finishers work at floor level, on ladders, scaffolding and stilts — generally in warm and dry conditions, but some outdoor work may also be involved.
Traffic Controller Painting Apprenticeships
Traffic Control Painters apply and remove pavement signage and striping. The work is outside and seasonal, and requires extensive travel throughout Oregon. Hours may include working at night.
Painting Apprenticeships
Painters prepare and paint a diverse array of surfaces in commercial, industrial and residential environments. Painters need to be skilled with a wide variety of hand and power tools, depending on the type of surface preparation and coating required. This work is both challenging and varied.
Apprenticeship FAQ & Application Process
Applicant Process
Application Period
Please click the “Apply Now” button to get the application process started today. Once you have completed tall checklist items our administration team will contact you.
Please Note: Opening dates for all programs are posted 30 days in advance.
Additional Documents
Submit any additional documents by the end of that calendar month.
Scoring
- For Painters: If we have received all required documents you will receive a Status Letter at the end of the month. You will need to attend orientation and an interview. Painter apprentices will be scored from the interview. Additionally, you will be drug tested. If you receive a negative result, then you will be added to the Ranked Pool.
- For Drywall: If we have received the required documents you will receive a Status Letter at the end of the month. You will need to attend orientation and an interview. Drywall apprentices will be scored from the interview and entered directly into the Ranked Pool.
- For Traffic Controller Painting Apprenticeships: At the end of calendar month we score the applications and decide if you meet the minimum requirements.
Status Letter
Within a week of scoring (during the first week of the next month) you will receive a letter advising if you are accepted and what your score is. The letter will tell you the date of the next Orientation session, which is mandatory.
Orientation
Attend Orientation later that month.
Addition to Ranked Pool
Once you have completed your interview and we have received drug test results, for painter applicants, you will be put onto the Ranked Pool (the “waiting list”). The more points you score, the higher your name will be on the list to be called for the next opportunity.
Work Assignment Wait Time
We cannot predict how soon you will be called to work. It depends on several things; the time of year, state of the economy and how many points you scored on your application. It could be next day, the next month or longer. Most hiring takes place during summer months.
How does your program work?
- Our Signatory Union contractor’s will reach out to hire qualified apprentice candidates, such yourself.
- You are required to submit monthly progress reports of your work hours.
- You must attend all Related Training (classes for all apprentices are now referred to as Block Training). Block Training is place to understand the theory behind the hands on skills you will practice in the field. Block Training is not paid but it is required to re-rate to the next level of pay increase.
Do I have to pay for the classes?
No. There is no charge for classes. Classes begin after you are sent to work.
Will I need a car?
Yes. You must have your own reliable transportation. Your job assignments will change, sometimes on short notice. Work shifts may be at night. You may be assigned to job sites up to 50 miles away.Also, classes are held at the Training Center which is difficult to reach by bus.
What are the physical requirements of this career?
You must be able to:
- Stand/walk for up to 8 hours a day
- Lift/carry up to 50 lbs. frequently and 100 lbs occasionally
- Climb ladders, planks, scaffolding, and work in high places (average height 30-40 feet)
- Work above shoulder level
- Work around fumes and dust.
How long does the program take?
These apprenticeship opportunities consist of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training for the Painter and Drywall Finisher programs, and 7,000 hours for the Traffic Control program. There is an additional 432 hours of related classroom instruction for each program.
How much will I make once the program is over?
Apprentices start at a specified percentage of journeyman wages, usually 60%-70%, and work their way up during their apprenticeship. Wage increases are negotiated and listed in the current C.B.A. (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
Is it hard to get into the program?
No. You need to meet the minimum age and educational requirements. To succeed in the program you need to attend classes regularly, submit your Monthly Progress Records on time, and prove that you are a good worker.
Can you mail me an application?
Application process can start today…just click the link “Apply Now” above.
How and when will I know I’ve been accepted?
What should I do after I’ve been accepted into the program?
When will I start work?
Will I need to join a union?
What if I'm laid off?
What do you mean by "commercial" and "industrial" painting?
Industrial work can include: preparing and painting metal surfaces such as bridges, water tanks and other steel structures. This may mean working from a boom lift or spyder basket 40-60′ above the ground.
How can I get information about other apprenticeship opportunities?
The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is the Oregon state agency that oversees apprenticeship programs.
Applicant Process
Application Period
We are open for applications during the months of January thru September. During those months we take applications every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You must apply in person.
Please Note: Applications for Drywall and Traffic Control Painting are closed at this time and will reopen in the spring. Opening date will be posted 30 days in advance.
Additional Documents
Submit any additional documents by the end of that calendar month.
Scoring
- For Painters: If we have received the required documents (proof of age and of high school graduation), then you will receive a Status Letter at the end of the month. You will need to attend orientation and an interview. Painter apprentices will be scored from the interview. Additionally, you will be drug tested. If you receive a negative result, then you will be added to the Ranked Pool.
- For Drywall: If we have received the required documents (proof of age and of high school graduation), then you will receive a Status Letter at the end of the month. You will need to attend orientation and an interview. Drywall apprentices will be scored from the interview and entered directly into the Ranked Pool.
- For Traffic Controller Painting Apprenticeships: At the end of calendar month we score the applications and decide if you meet the minimum requirements.
Status Letter
Within a week of scoring (during the first week of the next month) you will receive a letter advising if you are accepted and what your score is. The letter will tell you the date of the next Orientation session, which is mandatory.
Orientation
Attend Orientation later that month.
Addition to Ranked Pool
On the day after Orientation your name goes on the Ranked Pool (the “waiting list”). The more points you score, the higher your name will be on the list to be called for jobs.
Work Assignment Wait Time
We cannot predict how soon you will be called to work. It depends on several things; the time of year, state of the economy and how many points you scored on your application. It could be next day, the next month or longer. Most hiring takes place during summer months.
How does your program work?
- We help you locate a paid job with a Union contractor.
- We require monthly reports of your work hours.
- We require attendance to all Block Training (classes for all apprentices are now referred to as Block Training). Block Training is held every month for each level and is three days in a row. Block Training is completed during your own time during the school year.
Do I have to pay for the classes?
No. There is no charge for classes. Classes begin after you are sent to work.
Will I need a car?
Yes. You must have your own reliable transportation. Your job assignments will change, sometimes on short notice. Work shifts may be at night. You may be assigned to job sites up to 50 miles away.Also, classes are held at the Training Center which is difficult to reach by bus.
What are the physical requirements of this career?
You must be able to:
- Stand/walk for up to 8 hours a day
- Lift/carry up to 50 lbs. frequently and 100 lbs occasionally
- Climb ladders, planks, scaffolding, and work in high places (average height 30-40 feet)
- Work above shoulder level
- Work around fumes and dust.
How long does the program take?
These apprenticeship opportunities consist of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training for the Painter and Drywall Finisher programs, and 7,000 hours for the Traffic Control program. There is an additional 432 hours of related classroom instruction for each program.
How much will I make once the program is over?
Apprentices start at a specified percentage of journeyman wages and work their way up during their apprenticeship. Wages are negotiated annually with the Unions. See Public Notice.
Is it hard to get into the program?
No. You need to meet the minimum age and educational requirements. To succeed in the program you need to attend classes regularly, submit your Monthly Progress Records on time, and prove that you are a good worker.
Can you mail me an application?
No. Applications must be completed in person. Apply any Tuesday starting in January thru the end of September.
How and when will I know I’ve been accepted?
We will mail you a letter soon after the end of the month. If you are not accepted, we will tell you why. If you are accepted, we will give you the date of the next Orientation session. You will have three opportunities to attend.
What should I do after I’ve been accepted into the program?
We will mail you a letter soon after the end of the month. If you are not accepted, we will tell you why. If you are accepted, we will give you the date of the next Orientation session. You will have three opportunities to attend.
When will I start work?
Once your name is on the Pool, you will be dispatched to a job as soon as jobs become available. This varies with economic conditions and the time of year. Most opportunities will come in the summer months.
Will I need to join a union?
Yes. Soon after you are dispatched for your first job, you need to join the Union. Initiation fee is currently $100.
What if I'm laid off?
Construction work may involve seasonal lay-offs. Contact your local Union. They maintain an out-of-work list and will contact you when another job becomes available.
How can I get information about other apprenticeship opportunities?
The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is the Oregon state agency that oversees apprenticeship programs.
Special Thanks To Sherwin Williams for supporting painter training and apprenticeship!
Painters & Allied Trades Regional Training Center gratefully acknowledges significant contributions of Sherwin-Williams Company as primary provider of materials and supplies for apprentice and journeyman training.
Portland Office
13521 NE Whitaker Way
Portland, OR 97230
Phone: 503-287-4856
Fax: 503-258-1767
In-Person Office Hours: Mon-Fri | 7am-3pm
We are dedicated to responding to e-mails and phone messages promptly.