The FTIUM program for high school students
High school students: Are you thinking about your future?
A career in the union finishing trades can get you:
- An average salary of $70,000 per year
- A ladder to become an entrepreneur
- Top-notch healthcare and retirement benefits
And so much more.
What is Finishing Trades Academy?
Finishing Trades Academy (FTA) provides a unique opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience and learn about the different crafts and professions of the finishing trades while completing their high school coursework.
The FTA includes:
- A head start on your apprenticeship & college degree while you finish high school
- Hands-on experience at our state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot training facility in Little Canada
- Free mental health counseling through the FTIUM Care Team
- A gateway to paid apprenticeship & the FTIUM associate’s degree program
- A lucrative career path with $0 college debt.
How FTA works with your regular high school coursework:
Fall 2024:
FTA students are eligible to obtain between two and four high school credits based on the student’s home high school curriculum rigor.
Math, non-biology science, and 2 electives are the most common credits given.
Fall 2024 FTA Class Schedule:
- Morning cohort students: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Afternoon cohort students: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Currently partnered with over 30 schools in St. Paul and the Northeast metro.
Contact your Work Based Learning Coordinator or school counselor to see if your school is eligible today!
You’re most likely to be admitted if:
- You have a driver’s license & reliable transportation
- You’re a high school senior
- You’re turning 18 in your senior year
- You’re on track to graduate
- You’re a hands-on learner
Meet the instructors:
PHIL O’NEILL
INSTRUCTOR
Phil O’Neill is FTA’s licensed career training and education (CTE) teacher. The curriculums he builds inform FTA coursework. Our apprenticeship instructors assist Phil in providing specialized training in their trades – commercial and industrial painting, glasswork, glazing, drywall finishing, and sign & display.
After owning a landscape construction company for 28 years, Phil returned to college to pursue his desire to give back to the community and become a special education teacher.
He now has multiple degrees and has been teaching high school students for 7 years. He has created innovative learning strategies and curricula that specialize in the trades and hands-on learning projects.
“Working with often marginalized youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds is the key to making FTA successful. We have learners of various skill sets who thrive in our hands-on approach to learning. Exposure to the possibilities here and to the benefits of being proud Union members is vital to these young people to help guide them towards a better life and career opportunities in our Finishing Trades.”