Seeking A Career
An apprenticeship with the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI) is your path to a stable, high-paying, and well-balanced career. Through education and union support, we help you build a strong foundation for success in the finishing trades.
ADVANTAGES
The NCIFTI Career Advantage
Choosing NCIFTI connects you to a professional network and a proven model meant to equip you with the education, experience, and support to help you build a lasting career.
A Career, Not Just a Job
Build Your Lifelong Career
We are committed to empowering craftspeople by readying them for continued employment in the industry and equipping them with new skills as needed along the way.
Earn While You Learn
Start Earning as You Train for Your Future
Our “earn while you learn” model enables you to work in the field while you receive your education. And instead of paying tuition, YOU GET PAID while you participate in the program.
Structured Wage Pathway
Advance Your Skills And Your Pay
Your pay increases on a yearly basis as you meet minimum on-the-job hours and advance through your curriculum. Plus, once you graduate and become a journeyperson, you'll automatically earn between $41 and $54 an hour (depending on trade and work area).
Join the Network
Be Part of a Century-Strong Union Family
When you become an apprentice, you join a tradition over 100 years old, rooted in sisterhood, brotherhood, and solidarity. Being in a union is more than a membership - it's a way of life. We show up for each other, celebrate family, and give back.
Watch: A Day in the Life of an Apprentice
At NCIFTI, every day is a step toward purpose, balance, and success. But apprenticeship - and union membership - is so much more than a job. It's a lifestyle that affords you work-life balance, friendships, time for hobbies, and a sense of pride that comes with contributing to society and building things that last. See how it all unfolds in A Day in the Life.
Industrial Painter
Apprenticeship Pathways
All apprentices start with core training that establishes industry basics, safety awareness, beginner certifications, and leadership skills. From there, training becomes specific to the trade you choose. Watch the video for each trade below for a better understanding of what finishing trades work really looks like - and determine what trade is best for you!
Painter-Decorator
Painter-Decorators revitalize, restore, and revamp areas, turning old spaces into new ones, one room at a time. They see through the dust and debris to visualize the final product, and get to experience the satisfaction of finishing the job every time. As a painter-decorator apprentice, you'll learn about paint materials, color mixing, airless spray systems, wood finishing, wallcovering, and more! From cutting, brush and roll, and spray guns to wallcovering and decorative finishes, you can find your niche here and work to become the best of the best.
Industrial Painter (CAS)
Industrial painters can be considered problem solvers, scientists, engineers, and specialists in their work. Their main job is to prepare and protect our nation's infrastructure from corrosion, on structures like water towers, bridges, water treatment facilities, and power plants. As an industrial painter apprentice, you'll learn about rust removal, rigging and containment, specialty coating application, and more. The work takes place either outdoors or in confined spaces, and often involves heights and travel - so an adventurous attitude is a key component to success in this field!
Glazier
Glaziers create our city skylines and leave behind the most inspiring aspects of a new building. They install glass and architectural metal to make buildings structurally sound, functional, and safe. Work in this trade requires utmost precision and skill, and glaziers take that responsibility very seriously. As a glazier apprentice, you'll learn about architectural drawings, glass panels, sealants, door and hardware installation, welding, and more. From storefronts and skyscrapers, to smart glass and solar panels, you'll become an expert on all things "glass" here.
Drywall Finisher (Taper)
Drywall finishers bring rooms to life through technique and precision. They tape and smooth drywall seams to create a flawless surface, readying walls for paint or decorative finishes. The work goes well beyond room design, as drywall provides crucial barriers to sound, fire, radiation, and more. As a drywall finisher apprentice, you'll learn about filling compounds, hand finishing, automatic taping tools, drywall repair, advanced application, and more. The everyday eye might not be able to point out a good drywall finishing job, but that's exactly the point - learn all about this art of modest perfection here.
Your Future is Waiting
An apprenticeship with NCIFTI opens the door to opportunity, growth, and long-term success. View the curriculum and connect with our team today to begin your journey in the finishing trades.
