A Painter or Decorator
"Having prior painting experience, I decided to enter the union. The job security and stability as well as the potential for advancement that the union atmosphere provided were things that I looked for when choosing a career. Throughout my apprenticeship experience, I have worked with highly competent and approachable instructors who have provided me with the tools necessary to become a successful painter."
—Jeremy Baum, Painter
What Do They Do
Painters prepare surfaces of building and other structures and then apply paint by means of brushes, rollers or sprayers. They work with varnish, enamels, lacquer and other materials. They may also paint interior rooms or cover walls with paper, fabrics, vinyls or other materials (paperhanger). They must be able to mix paints as well as do sandblasting and waterblasting.
Working Conditions
Painters work both indoors and out. Outside work is done in relatively mild weather. In some jobs, especially maintenance and redecoration of offices and buildings, the painter may be required to work evenings or weekends. Work is seasonal; however, new materials and methods tend to give more steady employment throughout the year. Physical and health hazards include the dangers of poisoning, falling from ladders and scaffolds, breathing paint fumes and dust. The work involves standing, bending, climbing and working with arms over the head much of the time.
Interest and Temperament
Painters must have manual dexterity as well as steady nerves to work in high places. They should not be allergic to or bothered by paint fumes, toxic materials and spray dust. They should have a certain artistic sense in order to do a first-class job. Good eyesight and sense of color is especially important to properly mix paint to specific colors.
General Qualifications
- Minimum age of 18
- Good physical condition
- Valid driver's license
- Drug/Alcohol testing in accordance with the JATC written policy
Educational Background Recommended
Reading, chemistry, math, blueprint reading
Admission Requirements of the Joint Apprentice Committee
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Tests
- Interview
Terms of Apprenticeship Training
- Apprenticeship shall be three (3) years
- Minimum of 4500 hours of on-the-job training
- Minimum of 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year
- Probationary period 500 work hours
- Minimum hours of related classroom instruction - 144 each year
- Indentured to Joint Apprenticeship Committee & Contractor
- Raises every six months if training hours are secured
- Operates under the "Intent to Hire" Program
Related Job Opportunities
Furniture finisher, wallpaper hanger, estimator, business owner
Application and Information
Toledo Area Painters & Decorators JATC, Local No. 7
4535 Hill Ave.
Toledo, OH 43615-5301
Telephone: (419) 531-5911
Fax: (419) 531-4392
The recruitment, selection, employment, training and promotion of apprentices shall be without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, disability/handicap or veteran status.
