The Specialty Programs of District Council #2 Apprenticeship Training

The trades that we teach in the apprentice program are extremely diverse. It has been said that even after many years in the field, no one can be an expert at all of the facets of our trade. It is too large for any one person to know it all completely. That statement is not entirely true but it does have some merit.

It is common for the signatory contractors that we work for to specialize in a particular aspect of the trade. For instance, most drywall finishing contactors do not bid painting bridges and tanks. Most contractors that work in car plants and factories do not bid gold leaf application and church murals. If an apprentice is employed by one of the specialized contractors, he/she needs targeted training that is directed to the type of work that they be required to perform. However, there is a balance that must be maintained. The goal of the apprenticeship program is to graduate well-rounded journeypersons. If an apprentice is employed by one of the industrial steel type contractors and the only training that they receive is in this specialized area of the trade, they will not be prepared to work in any other shop. This scenario would be unfair to the apprentice and tend to label him/her as a "steel painter" only.

In order to address the need for balanced specialized apprenticeship training, two programs have been established. Each program is one year in duration. The other two years of the three-year program is spent in the regular apprentice classes. Utilizing this format, every apprentice is exposed to and trained in all aspects of our trade and the targeted training is still accomplished. Below is a description of the specialty-targeted programs of Drywall Finishing and Industrial Painting.

The Drywall Finishing Program
The drywall program is targeted at the beginning apprentice. At this point in their career the apprentice need extra attention to assist them in producing good finished work as soon as possible. With close supervision, the instructor Clarence Whitworth, can take extra time with the apprentice that they may not be able to receive on the job. Once their work is acceptable, it is easier for the foreman on the job site to assign them to more finish work without concern that it will have to be re-done. The program covers hand tools, metered tools and boxes, and basic drywall foreman training.





The Industrial Painters Program
The industrial program targets the apprentice currently working in the industrial steel area. The apprentice does not start this special program until later in his/her apprenticeship. It is felt that an industrial apprentice should understand the workings of a complicated job site before beginning the technical specification training. The industrial painters program covers rigging, abrasive blast, lead work, coatings systems, and application to specifications. The apprentice receives a Missouri and Illinois Lead Supervisor license and an SSPC C-7 abrasive blast certification.


The recycle blast room used for training.

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