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An Apprenticeship with FTIUM opens you up to the varied and growing opportunities within the Finishing Trades industry.
FTIUM Apprenticeship Programs are all registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, the North Dakota Department of Labor, and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry where applicable. Each of them require:
An average of three (3) years of training
An average of 432 Related Training hours
At least 6,000 On-the-Job Training Hours
- The 2-year drywall program requires about 4,000 On-the-Job Training Hours
- The 3-year drywall program requires about 6,000 On-the-Job Training Hours
IUPAT membership required for program participation
Get the lifelong benefits and support that come with union membership
Apprenticeship applications will be accepted on the basis that applicants have met and shown documented proof of all required minimum qualifications at the time of application.
Apprentices will be accorded equal opportunity in all phases of apprenticeship employment and training, without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), genetic information or disability.
Apprenticeship applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
A. Age
All applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age *except as noted below. Applicants are required to submit reliable proof of age (e.g., a driver’s license, birth certificate or other acceptable documentation).
B. Education
A high school diploma or GED is required. Applicants are required to submit reliable proof of education (e.g., a high school transcript or GED scores).
All applicants must possess sufficient educational knowledge to satisfactorily complete the OJL and RI.
* A high school diploma or GED is required unless an applicant can show proof of academic progress toward achieving a High School Diploma or GED at any time during their first ten months as an apprentice. If an apprentice does not complete a High School Diploma or GED within the ten months of enrollment, the apprenticeship will be suspended or terminated.
C. Physical
The Applicant shall be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or any other individuals, with reasonable accommodations.
*An applicant who is seventeen (17) years of age and is participating in a school-to-work program or equivalent and who otherwise meets all qualifications may apply. Such an applicant must provide proof that a high school diploma or GED has been awarded and must be eighteen (18) years of age prior to being registered by the sponsor.
D. Citizen
The applicant must be a Legal Citizen of the USA or Legal Alien authorized to work in the USA by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Proof must be shown at the time of application.
E. Transportation
The applicant must have adequate transportation to attend On-the-Job Learning and Related Instruction classes.
F. Ability
All applicants must satisfy the Committee that they have the ability and aptitude to master the rudiments of the trade, based upon oral interview (if requested), written documentation submitted by applicant, and evaluation ratings.
G. If Applicable
Applicants must submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if they are a veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience and/or VA benefits.
Apprenticeship Programs:
Commercial Painter
Commercial Painters apply decorative and protective finishes in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial settings. They prepare a variety of surfaces (wood, masonry, drywall, plaster, concrete, synthetics, stucco and metal) prior to the application of materials such as paint, high performance coatings, waterproofing, fireproofing, varnish, shellac, wall coverings and special decorative finishes.
Coating Application Specialist
Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialists apply techniques to prepare substrates for coating and lining application. Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialists apply/install protective coatings and linings to steel and concrete on complex structures.
Drywall Finisher (2- and 3-year programs)
Drywall Finishers prepare drywall panels for painting by taping and finishing the joints and imperfections in the drywall surface.
Glazier
Glaziers are responsible for selecting, cutting, installing, replacing, and removing all types of glass. They install architectural aluminum window systems, glass handrail, mirrors, door entrances and decorative wall systems in commercial and residential buildings
Glassworker
Glassworkers work in manufacturing and fabrication settings. Glassworkers fabricate aluminum window systems, shower enclosures, mirrors, door entrances and manufacture glass for commercial and residential buildings.
Sign Technician
Sign Technicians design, construct, paint, install and remove signs, billboards and communication advertising using a variety of materials, methods, and processes.
Earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree
An AAS Degree in Construction Technologies from FTIUM can take your career to new heights.
Call the FTIUM to learn about current tuition pricing.
You must hold a high school diploma or an equivalent to be eligible for the Associate of Applied Science Degree program.
The degree program can be completed in as little as 3 years.
Choose your path.
Students can choose from 5 different areas of concentration:
Commercial Painter Decorator
Coating Application Specialist
Drywall Finisher
Glazier
Glassworker
“Any time we interview an apprentice from FTIUM, we know what to expect from them, and that carries an enormous amount of weight in our hiring decision. Consistently, FTIUM Apprentices step on the jobsite with critical safety training, and have the skill sets to help produce quality work from day one. We clearly have the best apprentices available due to the FTIUM, and will rely on them even more as our workforce changes.”
– Joel Swanson, Swanson & Youngdale, Minneapolis, MN
*Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest does not guarantee employment or salary upon graduation. Program length may vary.