Commercial Painting Contractors

How to Become a Union Painter Apprentice

Become a Union Painter Apprentice
  • Become a Union Painter Apprentice. “There is power in a union,” the old tune says. Union membership has benefits for everyone involved including clients, employers, and especially workers. If you are wondering how to become a union painter apprentice to secure work with a union shop like SmithPro Commercial Painting, we’ve compiled this handy and brief guide to demystify the process.

    What is the IUPAT?

    Once known as The Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) today consists of a strong central union headquartered in Maryland, and a number of locals. Taken together, they represent the interests of more than 160,000 active and retired members in the United States and Canada. In addition to representing painters, the IUPAT also safeguards the interests of allied tradesmen, including glaziers, glass workers, drywall finishers, sign/display installers, and floor covering installers.

    Why Become a Union Painter?

    More than a job, a union apprenticeship is the first step toward a career. You will be trained in all aspects of the trade, giving you a foundation of knowledge that will serve you well anywhere you go. You will be paid well during your apprentice period, with wages increasing as you progress in your training program. After a three-year apprentice program the apprentice IUPAT members graduate to journeyman status and full union scale wages. With that comes a pension plan, health and dental insurance, and the benefits that come with collective bargaining.

    The Pros and Cons of Union Membership

    On the plus side, pay is good, and the other benefits of membership are hard to match. There’s a level of job security and a pay scale that’s not as arbitrary as you’ll find in non-union ships.

    That isn’t to say you won’t find drawbacks. Minimum hour requirements must be met to maintain benefits so if jobs are scarce in your area, it can be hard to keep up. Union dues must be met on time even when you’re not working. In addition the union scale doesn’t take into account the working conditions faced by someone in a hazardous environment versus someone who paints commercial spaces for a living.

    Application Steps, Curriculum, and Requirements

    Prospective union painters often want to know how to go about getting started. You can apply directly via the IUPAT website and training centers operate across the country. The curriculum consists of theoretical and practical training, leadership, health and safety, compliance, and professional development. While the typical length of an apprenticeship is three years, prior experience can shave a significant amount of time off that total.

    About SmithPro Commercial Painting

    Now that you’ve seen all that goes into becoming a union painter, hopefully you have a better idea of why SmithPro Commercial Painting hires only union painters. We take pride in our work, but it’s our people that make our business run and thrive. Their experience is the foundation of the quality work we do. It’s also the reason we have a long history of satisfied customers, and the reason so many of them recommend us when the time comes for demanding and complex commercial painting in Missouri.

    If you have questions about becoming a union apprentice, feel free to reach out. We can give you answers based on experience and help you make an educated decision!

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