IUPAT District Council # 5 Apprenticeship and Training provides training for six different trades, Painting, Drywall Finishing, Floorcovering, Traffic Control, Glazing and Environmental Control Painting.

Painter: Falls into three categories

• Residential Painting of new interior and exterior surfaces, and repainting and restoration of older homes.
• Commercial Painting of new interior and exterior surfaces of office buildings and retail space.
• Industrial Painting of steel structures including abrasive blasting of metal prior to painting.

Drywall Finisher: Drywall Finishers apply joint compound and drywall tape to seams and corners of Gypsum wallboard and sand smooth, prior to the Painters application of paint. They do not install the Gypsum wallboard.

Traffic Control Painting: Commonly know as "Stripers". They apply the white and yellow stripes on roads and highways. Parking lots, curbing, cross walks, arrows and reflective button application are all skills of the Traffic Control Painting trade.

Floorcovering: Floorcoverers prepare and install carpet, vinyl, plastic laminate, linoleum and resilient tile. Floorcoverers use blueprints and "Shop Math" in preparation to install various products. Floorcoverers many times will have to carry heavy material and equipment.

Glazing: Glaziers prepare and install various types of glass, metal framing systems, entrances, mirrors and glass substitutes in and on commercial and residential buildings. They work with other trades on the job in new construction, remodeling and repair. They may work at varying heights on staging or on ladders. Some heavy lifting is required to load and unload or install glass and metal. Some shop work such as glass cutting and metal prefabrication is done. Glaziers use safe work practices in handling of hand and power tools. GOOD BASIC MATH SKILLS ARE A MUST!!!

Environmental Control Painter: Asbestos and Lead Abatement Workers.

General Apprenticeship Requirement:

• 18 or 17 years of age with parent or guardian signature
• Proof of a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Must meet the physical needs of the trade
• Each trade may require additional qualifications. Click on a trade for specific information
  

Will I need a car?

Although it is not a requirement for the apprenticeship, Apprentices will need to have transportation to and from school and to their job assignments. Some employers may require a driver’s license.

Fill out an Application here at the Apprenticeship.
We will hold your application on file for 90 days.
Frequently the Apprenticeship receives calls from employers requesting new Apprentices.
Either the Apprenticeship or the employer will contact you for an interview with the employer.
If the employer chooses you to become an Apprentice, you will need to come to the Apprenticeship office to receive your school information after your orientation with your new employer.
Make sure you bring your letter of hire!

Apprentices start at a specified percentage of the journeyman wage. Apprentices work their way up during their apprenticeship. Wages are negotiated annually with the Unions.

Yes. After you have signed on with the apprenticeship you will be sent to a Union office of your choice. There, you will be dispatched to your first job. Initiation fees vary per Union.

Fill out an Application.
The prefer method is in person.
- You will need to provide proof of a high school diploma
or G.E.D. and a photo ID at this time.
Our Address is:
6770 E. Marginal Way S. Bldg. E
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 762-8332
Once you fill out the application, you will receive a list of contractors.
Make sure you update the Apprenticeship with any change of address or phone numbers.
Find a Particpating Contractor to hire you.
Although it is optional to call employers directly, it shows initiative to contact employers yourself. Employers are looking for hard working, trust worthy individuals who have the drive and motivation to show up on time and give their very best!

It's very common to experience a "slow" period in the trade industry. There are different construction variables that would determine whether or not a person would get laid off. One of the benefits of participating in the Apprenticeship program and joining a union is that together we actively search for new opportunities for Registered Apprentices to remain working. Both the Apprenticeship and the Union offices maintain what is called an "Out-of-Work List". When an Apprentice is laid off, they can call both offices and get on this list. Frequently employers will call looking for registered apprentices. Once this happens either the local union office or the Apprenticeship will contact you.