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MULTI-CRAFT DECORATOR

ABOUT

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for Multi-Craft Decorator are only accepted at our Drums, PA location.

The Multi-Craft Decorator encompasses the knowledge of painting, wall covering and drywall finishing.

Man covering the walls

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.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers and subordinates by telephone, in written form, email or in person
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning and moving materials and manipulating things
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems

Click here to learn more about the courses and credits required to obtain a multi-craft decorating  diploma.

Duties of a Multi-Craft Decorator may Include

The first priority of PAINTERS is to prepare the surface for the finishes to be applied

Some of the processes that are used are: wash, scrape, wire brush or sand the surface. In some cases, painters use chemicals, electric scrapers, sandblasters or blow torches to remove old paint. It is the job of the applicator to sand any irregularities, fill cracks and holes and remove excess dirt and grease. Painters uses three major tools to apply paints and coatings: the spray gun, the roller and the brush

WALLCOVERERS measure the surface they are to cover and cut the covering to fit

Wallcoverers mix the adhesive, apply it to the back of the strip of the covering, place the strip in correct position on the wall and smooth it with a smoothing brush or knife. They need to be very careful to match the paper’s pattern, making sure the design continues from strip to strip without a visible break. Wallcoverers may also estimate material, time and cost of each job, produce decorative designs and restore natural wood color by bleaching or refinishing or apply special coatings

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

Skill is required in the use of hand filling and machine tool methods for both preparation and application techniques. Drywall Finishers shall be familiar with all aspects of the trade including the tools, materials, procedures, environmental conditions on the job site, along with the regulations and standards of the various authorities having jurisdiction

Man painting FTI
Painting

Working Conditions

  • Painting, Wallcovering and Drywall Finishing are all strenuous work, requiring much walking, standing, reaching, kneeling, stooping, climbing and lifting (up to 75 lbs.)
  • Occupational hazards include falls from ladders or scaffolds, and skin or throat irritations from paint fumes and thinners
  • Exterior painters lose some work-time each year due to bad weather
  • Interior painters who work primarily on new construction may lose work-time during slowdowns in construction activity

Interest and Temperament

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:

Four years of paid on the job training, related class room instruction, classes a minimum of 160 hours per year

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