Apprenticeship – Finishing Trades – Drywall Finishers | Washington Career Paths

FINISHING TRADES

Drywall Finisher

Union

Drywall finishers fill joints between drywall panels with mud, tape all joints and corners, and prepare drywall to be painted. It includes caulking, firestop, and air barrier installation. Walls, soffits, and columns are prepared to high levels of finish with extensive sanding. To work on ceilings and elevated areas, installers and tapers stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds.

SELECT AN APPRENTICESHIP LOCATION

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

Local 10

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

17 years of age
High School diploma/GED
Most employers require valid driver’s license and drug screen test

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Apply at local Training Facility Tuesdays 0900 to 1600 during posted openings
Provide proof of education, proof of age, and copy of DD-214
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.
Attend Orientation Training
Complete interview with training committee

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview
Placed on ready to dispatch list

Step 3: Start with local 10

Apprenticeship

6,000 hours / 3 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 144 hours of education each year through local Training Facility

Wages

Start at 60% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5-10% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$24.25 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: OREGON SW-WA DRYWALL FINISHERS JATC

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

Local 364

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

17 years of age
Physically able

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Contact local Training Facility to apply
Provide copies DD-214, and I-9 Documents
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.
Attend Orientation Training
Complete interview with training committee

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview
Must contact training facility by first business day of every month to remain on list

Step 3: Start with local 364

Apprenticeship

6,000 hours / 3 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 144 hours of education each year through

Wages

Start at 50% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5-10% pay increase after every 6 months with minimum of 750 hours of on-the-job training plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$22.42 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: WESTERN WASHINGTON DRYWALL APPRENTICESHIP

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

Local 427

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
Physically able
High School diploma/GED
Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
Must pass drug screen test

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Apply at local union office
Provide proof of education, driver’s license, auto insurance, I-9 Documents
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Take math and physical assessments
Ranked base on application and Veteran’s Preference
Must contact training facility by first business day of every month to remain on list

Step 3: Start with local 427

Apprenticeship

6,000 hours / 3 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 144 hours of education each year through local training facility

Wages

Start at 60% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5-10% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$17.21 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: WESTERN WASHINGTON DRYWALL APPRENTICESHIP

Calculate Starting Pay With GI Bill ®

Estimated Wage Calculator

All calculations based on a 120 hours/month work schedule.[CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id="6"]

*Contact union local for updated wage information.

GI Bill Usage Breakdown:
100% - 1-6 months
80% - 6-12 months
60% - 12-18 months
40% - 18-24 months
20% - 24-30 months
*Usage Optional

Eligible veterans in an approved Apprenticeship Program can use their GI Bill® benefit and receive a tax-free stipend on a monthly basis. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents (based on the zip code of the training facility) which is paid addition to normal wages. Refer to the chart below to understand how Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits are paid, or consult the VA website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill (Link) to see how other VA chapters are paid for Apprenticeship Training.