IUPAT’s Apprenticeship Program is a Game Changer.
In today’s construction industry, the demand for skilled, safe, and reliable labor lies at the forefront of contractors' minds. As projects grow in scale, the delivery of quality work within budget and time constraints is an increasing pressure. Our union's investment in workforce development is essential to keep up with industry demands
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) prioritizes workers’ development by continuously training and educating our members, ensuring they are ready to perform any task, making them the first choice for contractors across North America. Our ongoing commitment to education provides us with a competitive advantage over others in our industry.
Setting the Standards Through Continued Training
The International Finishing Trades Institute (iFTI) is the training and education department of the IUPAT and its industry partners. Our students pursue careers in the finishing trades we represent – Coating Application Specialist (CAS), Coatings Inspector, Drywall Finisher, Floor Coverer, Glazier, HydroBlaster/Vacuum Truck Technician, Painter-Decorator, Sign and Display Worker, and Tradeshow Worker. When an IUPAT member joins our union, they enroll in a curriculum developed by our iFTI department, which supports the longevity of the finishing trades industries by building an educated workforce.
Education initiatives ensure that our workers are knowledgeable in:
- Environmental safety standards, such as lead and asbestos abatement.
- Advanced coating systems and surface preparation techniques.
- Glazing innovations, such as energy-efficient systems and digital fabrication.
- Scaffold and lift safety, fall protection, and OSHA certification.
- Maintenance and corrosion control.
What This Means for Contractors
For contractors, having access to a skilled workforce has tremendous amounts of benefits:
1. Skilled Workforce
Our members are highly skilled workers, trained to be efficient and precise.
2. Safer Job Sites
IUPAT members are OSHA certified, which ensures safety standards for all job sites, reducing accidents, injuries, and liability concerns.
3. Workforce Flexibility
With specialized training, our members are knowledgeable, certified, and equipped to take on any project, big or small, giving our contractors endless opportunities in the industries we represent.
4. Higher Workers Standards
Our members go through a robust apprenticeship program that ensures their work is of high quality for any project.
5. Support for Workforce Development and Recruiting
Through our apprenticeship programs, job readiness initiatives, and community outreach efforts, our union ensures that contractors have workers who meet all needs.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
By investing in training, our members grow into skilled workers, and our signatory contractors get to work with individuals who are job-ready and certified. Our union is committed to investing in our training programs, equipping our members with knowledge and skills, which in turn benefits our contractors, communities, and the future of our trades.
