Painters & Allied Trades DC 88 – Local 807 Apprenticeship
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Oklahoma / Painters & Allied Trades DC 88 – Local 807 Apprenticeship
Painters & Allied Trades DC 88 – Local 807 Apprenticeship
Program Information
The Painters & Allied Trades DC 88 Local 807 Apprenticeship Program prepares individuals for skilled careers in professional painting, drywall finishing, and specialty coating applications. This trade focuses on surface protection, appearance, and durability—work that directly affects how buildings perform, age, and are maintained over time.
Apprentices learn through a structured combination of classroom instruction and extensive on-the-job training with signatory contractors. Fieldwork takes place on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, allowing apprentices to experience a wide range of environments, materials, and jobsite expectations.
Training emphasizes proper surface preparation, material selection, and application techniques. Apprentices learn that successful finishing work begins long before paint is applied and requires attention to detail, sequencing, and coordination with other trades.
On active job sites, apprentices commonly train in:
- Surface cleaning, sanding, patching, and repair
- Brush, roller, and spray application techniques
- Interior and exterior painting systems
- Drywall hanging, taping, mudding, and finishing
- Masking, containment, and jobsite protection methods
Classroom instruction supports field training by covering the technical and safety aspects of the trade. Apprentices are introduced to specialty coatings and finishes used in high-performance environments, including fireproofing, epoxies, and industrial-grade protective systems.
Because painters and finishers often work on visible, finished surfaces, the program places strong emphasis on consistency, efficiency, and quality control. Apprentices are trained to meet specification requirements while maintaining clean, organized work areas.
Program Length
The Local 807 apprenticeship is a three-year program that includes approximately 4,800 hours of paid field training and 432 hours of classroom instruction. Classroom courses are held in Oklahoma City and at regional training centers, allowing apprentices to progress steadily through the program.
Programs Offered
- Painter & Decorator Apprenticeship
- Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship
Certifications & Career Opportunities
Graduates complete the program as journeyman painters or drywall finishers and may earn credentials such as OSHA 30, aerial lift certification, lead-safe training, and industrial coating certifications.
Career paths within the trade may include:
- Journeyman painter or drywall finisher
- Foreman or lead hand
- Estimator or project coordinator
- Industrial or specialty coating applicator
Work opportunities exist across commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, bridges, manufacturing facilities, and large-scale renovation projects.
Program Requirements
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds and work at heights
- Reliable transportation to job sites
- Successful interview and job placement through the program
Why This Apprenticeship Is a Strong Option
- Provides training in a skilled trade with visible, finish-level impact
- Includes both new construction and restoration work experience
- Offers tuition-free education with paid field training
- Builds skills that transfer across residential, commercial, and industrial projects
- Supports long-term advancement into leadership or specialty roles
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices typically begin earning at approximately 50% of journeyman wages, with scheduled increases as training milestones are completed. The program includes health insurance, pension benefits, and ongoing career support through the union.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Painters & Allied Trades DC 88 – Local 807 Apprenticeship is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Construction.
Compensation & Benefits Snapshot
Apprentices typically begin earning at approximately 50% of journeyman wages, with scheduled increases as training milestones are completed. The program includes health insurance, pension benefits, and ongoing career support through the union.
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
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.