JOB DESCRIPTION

Applying or removing paints, oils, varnishes, watercolors, wallpaper, wall coverings or other materials. Wall washing and the cleaning and bleaching of all interior and exterior walls and surfaces with liquid steam; sand blasting; application of adhesive materials, etc. (Drywall finishing means within the occupation of taping, texturing and sanding.)

Reads work orders or receives instructions from supervisor or homeowner regarding painting. Smoothes surfaces using: sandpaper, brushes, steel wool, and removes old paint from surfaces using; paint remover, scraper, wire brush, or blowtorch to prepare surfaces for painting. Fills nail holes, cracks, and joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other filler, using caulking gun or putty knife. Selects premixed paints, or mixes required portions of pigment, oil and thinning and drying substances to prepare paint that matches specified colors. Removes fixtures, such as pictures and electrical switch covers from walls prior to painting, using screwdriver. Spreads drop cloths over floors and room furnishings, and covers surfaces, such as baseboards, doorframes, and windows, with masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting. Lifts and carries cans of paint at job site as needed. Paints surfaces, using brushes, spray gun, or paint rollers. Simulates wood grain, marble, brick or tile effects. Applies paint with cloth, brush, or sponge to create special effects. Erects scaffolding or sets up ladders to perform tasks above ground level. Individual does not pose a threat to the health or safety of others or to him/herself.

This job involves climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and good color vision. One may be exposed to the weather occasionally and is frequently in the proximity of dust, fumes, moving mechanical parts.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

Painters and Wall Coverers:

Painters and Wallcovering professionals work in all kinds of commercial and industrial environments, from work that takes a few days to large-scale projects that can take weeks to months to complete. Apprentices learn blueprint reading, surface preparation, color harmony, wood finishing, use and care of state-of the art tools and equipment, spray painting, decorating finishing, wallcoverings, and health and safety regulations.

Drywall Finishers:

Drywall Finishers, also known as tapers, start their jobs after drywall installation. Finishers tape and apply joint compound to prepare walls or other finishes. Apprentices learn blueprint reading, surface preparation, drywall finishing, use and care of state-of-the-art tools and equipment, and health and safety regulations.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS INTENT TO HIRE

Applications (for apprenticeship program) are accepted year-round at:

Minnesota Finishing Trades
3205 County Drive, Suite 150
Little Canada, MN 55117
(651) 379–9600

Contact Persons

Todd DeFrance

tdefrance@mnft.org

This 3-year Apprenticeship Program requires the following from its apprentices: 432 Related Training Hours and 6,000 On-the-Job Training Hours. The related training is delivered through daytime courses at Minnesota Finishing Trades, 3205 Country Drive, Little Canada, MN.

QUALIFICATIONS

AGE – all applicants shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Applicants are required to submit reliable proof of age.
EDUCATION – High School Diploma or GED is required within one year of starting the apprenticeship programs.
IDENTIFICATION – State ID and reliable means of transportation.
PHYSICAL – All applicants shall be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others.

Applicant must find an employer to sponsor them prior to acceptance into the apprenticeship program.

Tools Needed

Painters and Wall Coverers:

Personal hand tools only (hammer, screwdriver, duster, putty knife, scraper and pliers). The employer will provide the majority of tools, such as brushes, rollers and ladders. Cost is approximately $120.

Drywall Finishers: