Have you ever thought about how much color surrounds us in our daily lives? From buildings and buses to toys and cars, everything we see is covered in vibrant hues. This is all thanks to the work of painters and coaters.
Unlike many other manufacturing jobs, painting and coating is less physically demanding but still highly rewarding. Painters and coaters are responsible for setting up, preparing, and applying paint or protective coatings to various objects—whether by hand or using machinery.
Why Consider a Career in Painting and Coating?
One of the best aspects of this career is that it taps into your creativity, and the great news is—you don’t need a degree to get started! Instead of pursuing formal education, many aspiring painters and coaters begin through apprenticeships. These programs offer hands-on experience and allow you to learn the trade while working on real projects.
What’s an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training program where you’ll work alongside experienced professionals, learning the ins and outs of the job. It’s the perfect way to develop your skills and gain industry knowledge while earning a wage. You’ll be trained in everything from surface preparation and applying coatings to safety procedures and how to use various tools and machinery.
In Massachusetts, several organizations offer apprenticeships specifically focused on painting and coating, giving you the opportunity to break into the industry.
Where to Find Painting and Coating Apprenticeships in Massachusetts
Here are some resources to help you find apprenticeship opportunities in Massachusetts:
- Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
The DOLWD offers a directory of registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts, including opportunities in painting and coating. Visit their website to search for programs in your area. - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 35
IUPAT offers apprenticeships for those interested in painting, drywall finishing, and industrial coating. Their apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, providing a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified painter or coater. - Associated Builders and Contractors Massachusetts (ABC MA)
ABC MA offers construction and trades apprenticeship programs, including those related to painting and coating. Their programs are designed to provide technical training while offering a pathway to earn while you learn. - Apprenticeship.gov
This is a national resource where you can search for painting and coating apprenticeships in Massachusetts. Simply input your location and field of interest to find current apprenticeship openings.
The Diversity of the Field
Painting and coating isn’t just about houses or cars—it’s a diverse field that spans multiple industries. You could be working on construction projects, adding the finishing touches to vehicles, contributing to architectural designs, or even playing a role in the manufacturing of everyday products. Whether you’re interested in large-scale industrial projects or more creative design work, this career offers flexibility and variety.
Not only does this job offer diversity, but in Massachusetts, it is also a unionized career.
What is the Painters Union?
The Painters Union, part of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), is an organization that helps workers who do painting, coating, drywall, and other related jobs. In Massachusetts, the local union is District Council 35, and it’s here to support workers by making sure they get fair pay, good benefits, and safe working conditions.
What Does the Painters Union Do?
- Training: The union offers training programs (like apprenticeships) to teach you how to do the job safely and well. This training is often free for members, and you earn a paycheck while you learn.
- Fair Pay: The union negotiates with employers to ensure you’re paid fairly for your work, often more than what non-union workers earn.
- Benefits: Being a member of the union gives you access to benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes extra perks like vacation days.
- Job Security: The union helps protect your job. They fight to ensure you have steady work, and if something unfair happens, they have your back.
- Safety: They make sure you’re working in safe conditions. If something’s wrong, the union steps in to fix it.
What are the Benefits?
- Paid Training: You can join an apprenticeship program to learn while getting paid—no college degree needed!
- Higher Wages: Union members generally earn higher wages than non-union workers.
- Health Insurance: You get access to health benefits for you and your family.
- Retirement: The union helps set you up with a pension or retirement plan.
- Job Protection: They fight for your rights if something goes wrong at work.
If joining a union isn’t for you, there’s always the option of going freelance. As a freelance painter, you have the freedom to take on different projects and work with a variety of clients. This is a great fit if you’re someone who enjoys variety and likes doing different things every day.
In this industry, self-starters thrive. If you’re good at marketing yourself, you can build a strong business as an interior painter, taking on jobs in homes, offices, and other spaces. Freelancing allows you to set your own schedule, choose your clients, and have more control over your work.
This path requires hustle and good networking, but it can be very rewarding for those who like independence!
A career in painting and coating allows you to work hands-on in a creative field without needing a degree. It’s a flexible and rewarding path for those who enjoy variety, practical skills, and making things a little less boring.
If you’re thinking about becoming a Painter/Coater and want further assistance, please visit our page at Contact Us | MSW Youth Connections!
We’d love to help!
Helpful Links:
Painter apprenticeship | Mass.gov
BMC Apprenticeship Program – Building Mass Careers
Apprenticeship Finder | Apprenticeship.gov
How to become a Painting and Coating Worker? (career-basecamp.com)
