The finishing trades are evolving alongside the demands of a rapidly changing industrial and infrastructure landscape. From emerging technologies to national megaprojects, one constant remains: success depends on innovation in workforce development, labor-management partnerships and jobsite standards. The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) continually pushes to raise industry standards with our modern apprenticeship program that trains tens of thousands of workers each year. The International Finishing Trades Institute (iFTI), the training and education department of the IUPAT, develops and expands a qualified, competitive workforce for the finishing trades industries and oversees apprenticeship programs across North America.

Four key drivers are at the center of this transformation: workforce development, union-contractor collaboration, industrial and infrastructure growth and a renewed focus on safety and environmental standards.

Building a Skilled Workforce for Industrial Demands

The finishing trades are experiencing a generational turnover amid a broader skilled labor shortage across North America.

The iFTI’s training model integrates the latest tools and technologies, including digital platforms and simulated jobsite environments. Apprentices are trained not only in core craft skills but also in emerging systems and materials – like plural-component coatings, lead abatement and confined space protocols – ensuring they’re prepared to step onto jobsites with confidence from day one.

This emphasis on technical proficiency, standardized instruction and real-world readiness makes the IUPAT’s membership a strategic asset to contractors and project owners alike.

Labor-Management Collaboration That Delivers Results

The success of any large-scale project hinges on reliability, safety and speed – and that’s where collaboration shines. Through Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs), labor and management jointly shape the curriculum and ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes across regions and sectors.

On the jobsite, this collaboration translates into a workforce that is safety-certified, productivity-focused and capable of scaling quickly to meet project demands. Union contractors benefit from having immediate access to highly trained professionals, while owners gain a dependable partner committed to getting the job done right the first time.

Project labor agreements (PLAs), particularly on infrastructure and energy projects, offer a clear example of this value. These agreements provide a framework for delivering complex projects on time, within budget and to the highest safety and quality standards.

Powering the Infrastructure Boom

The role of the finishing trades in public infrastructure and energy projects has never been more critical. From corrosion control on bridges and water infrastructure to coatings for power plants, our workforce is essential to the performance, longevity and health and safety of major assets across North America.

As levels of interest rise in transportation, energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, the demand for specialized coatings and surface preparation work continues to grow. Our members are deployed on vital projects including transit expansions, offshore wind developments, hydroelectric upgrades and more – often requiring certifications in high-hazard coatings and industrial safety protocols.

In short, finishing trades professionals are helping deliver on national infrastructure priorities with the skill, scale and standards today’s economy demands.

Advancing Safety and Environmental Standards

Across the construction industry, safety is not just a compliance issue – it’s a performance standard. IUPAT’s training programs include mandatory certifications such as OSHA, fall protection, hazard communication and respiratory safety. A safe worker is a productive worker, and IUPAT members continually push the envelope for a safe and efficient jobsite.

Together with our signatory contractors, we’re advancing the industry through proactive programs addressing silica dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and green coatings that align with evolving environmental regulations. Investing in safety and environmental stewardship protects workers, strengthens project delivery and enhances reputational value for everyone involved.

The finishing trades are meeting the moment with a trained, adaptable workforce, proven labor-management partnerships and a commitment to delivering exceptional value on every project.

Whether it's a major industrial site or a public infrastructure initiative, unionized contractors and execution, productivity, safety and innovation go hand in hand.