Train Today, Build Tomorrow: IUPAT Powers Contractor Success
In today’s construction industry, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) is the only solution for contractors seeking a skilled and reliable workforce.
The IUPAT offers a comprehensive apprenticeship programme and ongoing training for all represented workers within our crafts. Covering trades such as commercial and industrial painting, floor covering, glazing, and drywall finishing, IUPAT’s apprenticeship programme provides much more than trade skills - it builds careers for workers and sets the standards for training, safety and craftsmanship within our industry.
A Robust Apprenticeship Programme
IUPAT’s apprenticeship is a multi-year, earn-while-you-learn education combining classroom instruction with on the job training supervised by seasoned journeyworkers. Most apprentices are required to fulfill a minimum of 144 hours within the classroom covering an array of topics, including health and safety, leadership, OSHA standards, fall protection and much more.
Our approach ensures apprentices gain proficiency and increase productivity while still contributing to real projects.
Safety, Certifications & Compliance
Many clients and end users now require contractors to demonstrate a commitment to safety and workforce development. Our apprenticeship programme helps contractors meet these conditions while boosting eligibility for government contracts.
Apprentices and journeyworkers earn certifications in OSHA, respiratory projection, confined-space operation, industry-related certifications and more. These credentials are critical for adherence to regulations on public and private construction projects.
Long-Term Education & Advancement
After completing the apprenticeship, journey-level workers can continue their education through the IUPAT’s ongoing training initiatives via the Finishing Trades Institute (iFTI).
The IUPAT also supports members in earning associate and higher degrees alongside trade advancement. This creates a pipeline for skilled workers, future supervisors, estimators and project leads, bolstering contractor management capabilities from within their workforce.
Why become an IUPAT signatory?
Contractors who become an IUPAT signatory enjoy some of the following competitive advantages:
- Access to a supply of highly skilled labour.
- Decreased turnover.
- Higher productivity and quicker project turnaround.
- A safety-first culture that ensures projects finish on time and on budget.
Apprentices and journeyworkers begin contributing to projects from the beginning, with IUPAT members continually improving their skills, resulting in a more competent and adaptable workforce that helps keep projects on track.
Solution to Labour Shortage
Construction is facing rising demand for skilled tradespeople. IUPAT’s apprenticeship programme addresses this by supporting rising talent through training centres, community partnerships, and pre-apprenticeship programmes.
Signatory contractors with the IUPAT are uniquely positioned to overcome these labour shortages with reliable workers for all project needs within the finishing trades.
Our apprenticeship programme and long-term training for members delivers a powerful value proposition for contractors: cost-effective talent development, regulatory compliance, safety and skill certification, career pathways, diversity and project resilience. Whether working on public infrastructure, commercial interiors or industrial coatings, contractors using IUPAT-trained labour enjoy stronger performance, reduced risk and improved margins.
In an era where quality, safety and expertise matter more than ever, becoming an IUPAT signatory contractor is an investment in a future-proof, professional workforce your business can build on and be proud of.
