Union Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship Program
Build Your Career with AVM Group’s Union Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship Program
Earn while you learn with paid on-the-job training, zero student debt, and top-tier union benefits.
What Does a Drywall Finisher Do?
A Drywall Finisher is an essential surface-finishing specialist who transforms raw drywall wallboards into seamless, architectural environments. Finishers prepare wall and ceiling assemblies for high-gloss paint, wallcoverings, or specialized protective coatings by embedding reinforcement tape, applying multi-coat joint compound (“mud”), and precision-sanding joints, fasteners, and corner beads.
They are a critical part of our construction and installation teams working on commercial and industrial projects. Drywall Finishers operate automatic taping tools (“bazookas”), power mixers, mechanical finishing boxes, stilts, and dust-contained vacuum sanding systems while adhering to strict Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) and contamination-control protocols.
Take the next step.
Fill out the brief candidate application form. Once received, our hiring team will review your inquiry and contact you regarding potential employer sponsorship for the drywall finisher apprenticeship.
Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship Program Requirements
To succeed in the apprenticeship program and build a lifelong career in commercial and specialty construction, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Soft Skills & Social-Emotional Qualities
Strong Work Ethic
Punctual, dependable, and committed to showing up ready to work every day.
Curiosity
Active listening skills and a strong desire to master advanced finishing techniques.
Safety Mindset
A proactive commitment to job site safety, strict adherence to OSHA regulations, and zero-compromise for safety protocols.
Detail-Oriented Problem Solving
Sharp eye for surface imperfections under cross-lighting, pride in quality workmanship, and attention to site cleanliness.
Team Collaboration
Communicates effectively and work productively alongside Journeymen, painters, framing carpenters, and Superintendents.
Growth Mindset & Receptivity
Takes direction and constructive critique positively, using feedback from senior Journeymen to improve finish quality.
What you need to succeed.
As an Apprentice Drywall Finisher, you are an active employee earning a competitive wage and full healthcare benefits while learning the trade from industry experts. Your responsibilities span classroom instruction, hands-on shop training, and real-world job site application.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform demanding physical labor in various commercial job site environments.
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver materials and compound buckets weighing up to 75 lbs.
- Physical stamina to stand, bend, kneel, reach overhead, work on stilts or scaffolding, and perform work at elevated heights for extended periods.
Classroom Instruction
- See through the three-year commitment of training.
- Complete 40 hours of block-schedule training every quarter at a Finishing Trades Institute of Ohio Region (IUPAT District Council 6) accredited facility.
- Complete coursework covering trade math, blueprint reading, OSHA 10/30 safety certifications, ICRA protocols, compound chemistry, automatic tool maintenance, and level 1–5 finishing specifications.
On-The Job Training
- Work 40 hours per week under the direct mentorship of experienced AVM Group Journeymen on active commercial construction sites.
- Assist with site containment setup, material staging, compound mixing, automatic tool cleaning, taping, skim coating, and dustless vacuum sanding.
- Maintain strict job site cleanliness, dust containment, and environmental safety protocols.
Be Eligible to Apply.
- You are at least 17 years old and will be 18 before starting work on a jobsite.
- You have a High School diploma, GED equivalent, or documented 1,500 hours of trade-related work experience.
- You have a valid state-issued photo ID, birth certificate, and legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- You can pass a mandatory pre-employment and ongoing random substance abuse screenings.
- You have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel to various job sites and regional IUPAT training centers.
Ready to Build Your Career with AVM Group? Submit Your Application Today!
Complete the quick form below to apply. Our recruitment team reviews every submission and will reach out to qualified candidates to discuss open positions, career pathways, and employer sponsorship eligibility.
What you can earn.
Wage Progression
- Annual Progression: Complete required work hours (1,500 OJT hours per 12-month period) and technical evaluations to advance through each program level over 3 years toward Journeyman status.
- Start at 70% of the full Journeyman base wage, receiving scheduled pay raises every year until reaching 100% Journeyman pay upon graduation.
- As of May of 2026, the current taxable Journeyman Drywall Finisher base rates in Ohio (per the UPAT DC 6 commercial agreement) is $36.40/hour.
- Full Benefits: The total compensation reached $59.16+/hour when including employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision) and pension, annuity contributions. Full health benefit coverage begins after 90 days in the program.
Journeymen make $36.40 an hour!
Your Role as a Journeyman Drywall Installer
As an experienced trade professional and mentor at AVM Group, a Journeyman Drywall Finisher is responsible for end-to-end execution, quality control, and safety on complex commercial projects.
Blueprint & Technical Reading
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, engineering drawings, and project specifications with exact accuracy.
Surface Inspection & Preparation
Inspect drywall layout, countersink exposed fasteners, prep joints, and install metal/composite corner beads or specialty trim.
Precision Compound & Tape Application
Operate automatic taping tools (bazookas), mechanical finishing boxes, and power mixers; embed reinforcement tape and feather multi-coat compound to Level 4 and Level 5 finish standards.
Dust-Controlled Finishing & Sanding
Perform dustless vacuum sanding and hand-sanding to achieve uniform surface textures.
Quality Control & Code Compliance
Ensure all finished surfaces pass critical lighting inspections and meet specifications for high-gloss paint or wallcoverings.
On-Site Safety & Mentorship
Lead daily site safety reviews, pre-task planning, job stie safety hazard analysis, maintain AVM Group’s zero-injury standard, and guide, train, and train apprentices on proper finishing techniques.
Ready to Get Started?
Let our team know that you are interested in the Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship by completing the form below.