Painter at District Council #36 Painter, Paperhanger, and Decorator JATC
at District Council #36 Painter, Paperhanger, and Decorator JATC in Commerce, CA
About This Program
District Council #36 Painter, Paperhanger, and Decorator JATC sponsors a union Painter Apprenticeship in Commerce, CA. This JATC program covers a broad range of finishing trades including painting, wallcovering, and decorative finishes, preparing apprentices for work on residential, commercial, and institutional projects in the greater Los Angeles area.
The apprenticeship runs for three years and includes 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training alongside 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience with interior and exterior painting, wallpaper hanging, faux finishes, and specialty coatings. Classroom instruction covers color theory, surface preparation, safety and lead paint compliance, tool maintenance, and the proper application of a range of finishing materials. Apprentices earn wages from day one and advance through incremental pay increases tied to program milestones.
Graduates earn journeyman status in the painting and decorating trades through a recognized union program. The Southern California construction and renovation market provides extensive job opportunities for skilled finishing tradespeople affiliated with DC #36.
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 California
Painters in California are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by California Contractors State License Board.
View full Californialicensing requirements →Reviews
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