Painter at Area I Painters JATC
at Area I Painters JATC in Lake Oswego, OR
About This Program
The Area I Painters JATC Painter Apprenticeship is a registered union program based in Lake Oswego, OR, serving apprentices in the greater Portland metro and surrounding communities. Jointly administered by labor and management through a JATC structure, this program ensures rigorous craft training combined with union wages and benefits for all participants.
The 3-year program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience in surface preparation, application of paints and specialty coatings, spray and manual application methods, and finish quality inspection across commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Technical coursework covers trade safety, materials handling, blueprint reading, and industry standards.
Graduates complete the program as union journey-level painters ready for a full range of painting projects in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Through JATC union membership, apprentices have access to negotiated wages, health coverage, and retirement benefits from the start, and the earn-while-you-learn structure means they receive a paycheck throughout their entire 3-year training in Lake Oswego, OR.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$22
OJT Hours
6,000
RTI Hours
432
Duration
3 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Painter Career Outlook
National Median
$22.47/hr
~$46,737.6/yr
Apprentice Start
$14/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Painter employment is projected to grow in line with construction and renovation activity. Residential repainting and commercial building maintenance provide steady, recurring demand. Painters with industrial coating experience, lead abatement certification, or decorative finishing skills command higher wages and have the strongest employment prospects.
What to Expect as a Painter Apprentice
Duration
3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
432 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Painter
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Oregon
Painters in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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