The St. Paul’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program helps young men and women seeking opportunities in Chicagoland begin careers in the construction trades
More than 25 years ago, the first apprenticeship program came to life as Pastor Kevin Ford of St. Paul Community Development Ministries (St. Paul Ministries) and union leaders collaborated to offer young men who didn’t have a traditional pathway into the construction trades
Over the years, the program grew to include partnerships with construction unions, contractors, churches, community groups, local and state officials, developers, AFL-CIO, CISCO, and others. Each of the partners plays a critical role in the construction ecosystem, making their collaboration essential.
A twelve-week pre-apprenticeship training program designed to prepare young me and women to excel on aptitude tests and gain the basic skills needed to be competitive candidates for U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs (USDOL) and a career in the construction sectors. https://www.stpaulcommunitydevelopmentministries.org/
The Finishing Contractors Association of Chicago (FCAC) is the official collective bargaining representative for finishing trade contractors in the Chicagoland region—negotiating labor agreements with Painters’ District Council No. 14 to ensure that union-employed painters, coatings specialists, drywall finishers, and wallcovering installers receive top-tier apprenticeship training, competitive wages, and benefits such as pensions and health plans. https://www.fcaofchicago.com/
The Finishing Trades Institute of DC14 Chicago is where Labor and Management work together to develop dedicated Apprentice Trainees into skilled, professional Painting/Decorating, Industrial Coating, and Drywall Finishing Journeypersons for DC14 and our Signatory Contractors. We are committed to developing a highly skilled, safety-conscious workforce for the finishing trades through hands-on training, professional development, and nationally recognized certifications. https://ftichi.edu/
Painters District Council 14 (PDC 14) is a union representing painters, drywall finishers, glaziers, and related trades across Chicagoland. As part of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), PDC 14 provides top-tier training, strong member support, and collective bargaining for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions. With a network of local unions and a focus on education, advocacy, and community, PDC 14 helps build strong careers in the finishing trades. https://pdc14.com/
Founded in 1979, All-Tech Decorating Company has grown into one of Chicagoland’s largest commercial union painting contractors. Headquartered in Romeoville, IL, with a Chicago office, All-Tech delivers expert industrial, commercial, residential, and specialty coating services nationwide. Their skilled team handles everything from wall coverings and faux finishes to floor coatings and complex surface prep. With a reputation for quality, safety, and reliability, All-Tech serves sectors including healthcare, hospitality, and retail. The 2006 launch of ATD Coatings expanded capabilities, reinforcing their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, advanced techniques, and client satisfaction on projects of any size or complexity. https://alltechdecorating.com/
Ascher Brothers: Ascher Brothers has been providing the highest-quality painting and finishing services to Chicagoland, the Midwest, and across the U.S. since 1979. Our expertise spans nearly all forms of commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Our teams are structured to handle each project as efficiently as possible without losing our dedication to detail. https://www.ascherbrothers.com/
ERA Valdivia: Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc. (EVC) is a premier, family-owned and operated highway construction and maintenance contractor founded in 1987 by Jose G. Valdivia. Serving the Midwest with steady growth, EVC is an award-winning general contractor specializing in highway construction, industrial coatings, water treatment plants, and concrete restoration. Through significant investment in innovation and training, EVC has built a skilled workforce that saves clients time and money by working smart and collaboratively across generations. https://www.eravaldivia.com/
Finishing Chicago is your trusted resource for connecting with highly skilled, safety-focused subcontractors in the finishing trades. Representing over 150 union contractors across painting, drywall finishing, wallcovering, and glass and glazing throughout the Chicagoland area, we are committed to ensuring quality craftsmanship on every project. Backed by industry expertise and a strong labor-management partnership, Finishing Chicago helps you find the right professionals to get the job done right—the first time. https://www.finishingchicago.com/
Miles Beatty, Executive Director, Finishing Contractors Association of Chicago (FCAC) Milesb@finishingchicago.com OR (773) 993-0657 EXT: 201