Painter at San Diego & Imperial Counties Glazier JAC
at San Diego & Imperial Counties Glazier JAC in San Diego, CA
About This Program
The San Diego & Imperial Counties Glazier JAC sponsors a union Painter Apprenticeship in San Diego, CA. This joint apprenticeship committee program focuses on training glaziers — tradespeople who work with glass installation, window systems, storefronts, and curtain wall assemblies — within the context of the painting and finishing trades.
The apprenticeship runs for three years and includes 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training combined with 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop practical skills in glass cutting, fitting, and installation for architectural applications, as well as working with sealants, frames, and glazing systems. Classroom coursework covers blueprint reading, safety practices, material properties, and installation standards. Apprentices are paid from the beginning of the program and receive wage increases as they advance.
Graduates earn journeyman glazier credentials recognized across union job sites in the San Diego region and California. The San Diego construction market — including commercial, hospitality, and government projects — creates steady demand for qualified glaziers.
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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