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DRYWALL FINISHER​

ABOUT

The Drywall Finisher finishes gypsum wallboard surfaces by taping, spotting, pointing, filling, finishing and sanding joints, angles, internal and external corners and all field surfaces. The Drywall Finisher shall be familiar with all aspects of the trade, including the tools, materials, procedures, environmental conditions on the job site and the regulations and standards of the various authorities having jurisdiction. A skilled Drywall Finisher is organized and capable of working independently. Safety training is stressed and taught in all aspects of the drywall finishing trade.

man painting wall

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Students will learn to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills to measuring and calculating areas and relate calculations to required amount of materials for jobs, equipment operation and maintenance, communication skills, environmental effects of materials and applicable standards.

Specific objectives for this program include:

  • Organizing, Planning and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish your work
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers and subordinates by telephone, in written form, email or in person
  • Drafting, Laying Out and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained or used
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
  • Identifying Objects, Actions and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities and detecting changes in circumstances or events
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations or standards

Click here to learn more about the courses and credits required to obtain a drywall finishing diploma.

Duties of a Drywall FInisher

  • Spreading sealing compound between boards or panels, over nails and screws and holes using a trowel and broad knife
  • Sanding and smoothing out surfaces
  • Measuring, cutting and installing corner beads
  • Using tools, such as automatic taping tools, spray machines and dustless sanders
  • Working on high ceilings using scaffold, ladders or stilts
Man fixing wall
Man measuring walls

Working Conditions

  • Drywall Finishing is an independent, high production-oriented craft
  • The Drywall Finisher should be physically fit to perform the tasks required by the trade, such as standing, bending, and lifting (up to 75 lbs.) – You will be on your feet most of the time 
  • Physical and health hazards include falls from elevated work platforms or ladders and dust particles from various materials
  • You will work mostly indoors, with some outdoor work

Interest and Temperament 

Drywall Finishers must have an eye for detail, the ability to plan work and dexterity. They should not be allergic to paint fumes, toxic materials and spray dust. They must be capable of taking detailed instruction on the job site.

Terms of Apprenticeship

Students at the Philadelphia FTI are required to complete four years of paid, on-the-job training and a minimum of 160 hours per year of knowledge and theory classroom instruction. The New Jersey FTI program is three years long.

Course Offerings

During your Apprenticeship at the FTI-MAR, course offerings are arranged in cohorts. A cohort by definition is a group of people who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined period; in this case the cohorts were designed so that you are enrolled in your Apprentice Trade Specific Program with the same group of people for year one through year four.

The FTI-MAR automatically enrolls you in the appropriate courses each year of your apprenticeship.  Listed below is breakdown of course offerings per apprenticeship year (trade specific):

Current Apprentices: Click here for on-the-job learning form