Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Minnesota / Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest
Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest – Little Canada, MN
Program Information
The Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM) is a premier training center dedicated to preparing students for careers in the finishing trades, including commercial and residential painting, industrial coatings, drywall finishing, glazing, glass installation, and sign and display production. Located in Little Canada, Minnesota, FTIUM serves Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin through a state-of-the-art training facility designed specifically for hands-on, industry-driven education. As the official training arm of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 82, the institute offers apprenticeship and journeyworker programs built around real jobsite requirements and employer expectations.
FTIUM’s programs combine classroom instruction, safety training, and extensive hands-on lab work where students learn techniques used in professional finishing environments. The Painting program teaches fundamentals such as surface preparation, rolling, brushing, spraying, color matching, and industrial coatings. Students also train with advanced equipment used in commercial and industrial projects, including airless sprayers, electrostatic systems, and coating inspection tools. Safety training includes hazard communication, respirator use, scaffold operation, and fall protection.
The Drywall Finishing program teaches apprentices how to tape, mud, sand, texture, and finish drywall surfaces for both residential and commercial construction. Students learn advanced finishing techniques, surface repair, blueprint interpretation, and jobsite communication. Training includes instruction on stilts, automatic taping tools, finishing boxes, and spray textures.
The Glazing and Glassworker program prepares students for careers installing windows, curtainwalls, storefront systems, glass panels, mirrors, doors, handrails, and architectural metal systems. Training includes blueprint reading, sealants, fabrication, cutting, setting glass, commercial hardware installation, and safety procedures for working with large, fragile materials. Apprentices also learn the basics of welding and metal fabrication to install commercial framing systems.
FTIUM also offers training in Industrial Painting, Commercial Coatings, Wood Finishing, and Sign & Display Installation. All programs emphasize safety, workmanship, productivity, and professionalism. Through partnerships with regional contractors, apprentices receive structured on-the-job training where they earn competitive wages and benefits while learning alongside experienced journeyworkers. The institute maintains strong ties with employers, ensuring curriculum stays aligned with emerging materials, technologies, and industry standards.
Program Length
- Apprenticeship programs: typically 3 to 4 years depending on the trade
- Programs include thousands of hours of paid on-the-job training
- Related classroom instruction: approximately 144–200 hours per year
Hands-On Training
Students receive hands-on training in:
- Surface preparation, power washing, sanding, patching, and finishing
- Brush, roller, and spray applications including industrial coatings
- Drywall taping, mudding, sanding, finishing, and texture application
- Glass cutting, glazing, storefront and curtainwall installation
- Blueprint reading, layout, sealant application, and caulking
- Safety protocols including fall protection, scaffold training, and respirator use
- Industrial quality control, material handling, and jobsite workflow
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid driver’s license recommended
- Aptitude for hands-on, physical work
- Ability to meet trade-specific physical requirements
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for industry certifications including OSHA 10/30, first aid, aerial lift, scaffold user, and trade-specific credentials
- Career opportunities include painter, drywall finisher, industrial coater, glazier, glass installer, or architectural metal technician
- Apprentices earn progressive wages, healthcare benefits, and retirement contributions
Location
Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest
3630 Hoffman Road
Little Canada, MN 55110
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Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.