Painters apply paint, stain and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, bridges and other structures.
Painting requires a lot of climbing, bending, kneeling and reaching. Most industrial painters work outside, almost always in dry, warm weather. Those who paint bridges or buildings may be exposed to extreme heights and uncomfortable positions.
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in storefronts and buildings.
Drywall finishers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings.
The work is physically demanding. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they often must lift and maneuver heavy, oversized wallboards. Glaziers, painters and finishers may experience cuts from tools and glass, and falls from ladders and scaffolding. Most glaziers, painters and finishers work full time.
Painters, glaziers and drywall finishers learn their trade through a registered apprenticeship program that is usually cost free to the student. A high-school diploma or equivalent is typically required to begin your apprenticeship and career in the trade.
