F I N I S H I N G T R A D E S I N S T I T U T E
S O U T H E R N N E W E N G L A N D

Building Skills, Building Futures

Embark on a path of growth and opportunity

Our apprenticeship programs offer the training and experience you need to excel in the finishing trades and start the career of a lifetime

Our mission at FTISNE is to educate, train, and inspire our members to attain the highest levels of skill and professionalism. We're dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the finishing trades industries through a comprehensive approach that blends traditional values with cutting-edge techniques

  • As the cornerstone of trades education in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Western Massachusetts, FTISNE is committed to delivering flexible, high-quality training programs. As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit our focus is on anticipating and adapting to industry changes, especially those brought about by new technologies and methodologies, to create a diverse and dynamic workforce

  • FTISNE, serving over 1,300 members of District Council 11, is rooted in a rich history of trades education. With two state-of-the-art training centers, we specialize in training Commercial Painters, Glaziers, Drywall Finishers, and Industrial Painters. Our commitment to quality education is unwavering, as we strive to create an environment where every student has equal opportunity to learn and excel

  • Main Campus: Located in Middletown, Connecticut, our main campus spans 7.5 acres with advanced facilities, including smart board-equipped classrooms, a computer lab, welding booths, and specialized training areas like a mock industrial bridge and a virtual painting system.

    Rhode Island Center: Our Rhode Island instructional service center, situated on 28,000 square feet of land, offers state-of-the-art smart boards, computer labs, and ample space for an immersive learning experience in a modern setting

  • Our Institute offers 4 different apprenticeship programs.

    Commercial Painting = 3 year program | 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning (OJL)

    Drywall Finishing = 3 year program | 6,000 hrs OJT

    Glazing = 4 year program | 8,000 hrs OJL

    Industrial Painting = 4 year program | 8,000 hrs OJL

Current Members and Students

Apprentice Testimonials

  • "The apprenticeship has been very important in my life. I think I made the best decision choosing this career and of course I am very grateful for everything I learned. Thanks to that today I am a better person and with more desire to progress in my life"

  • "When I first joined I was back home living in my mother's basement at 29 and practically starting over. I'm 34 now, make more money than I ever have in my life, looking at buying a house and can comfortably live on my own (even with the raising prices of EVERYTHING!)"

  • "My favorite aspect of the apprenticeship program was watching my brothers, sisters and myself develop into a dependable workforce. Meeting people from all different walks of life that all find a way to make it work at the end of the day."

  • "The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to become financially independent and provide a sustainable living for the future"

  • "The apprenticeship program has put me in a place that has allowed me to provide for my family with a happy life. I am forever grateful."

  • "Being an apprentice has given me freedom to spend more time with my loved ones and to take control of my finances. Thank you"

  • "A very impactful part of the apprenticeship program was the feeling of family the union hall provides and the help they offer if you have any questions is great"

  • "Begin able to work while I was in the program was the best part. I feel so much more confident in my ability to do and problem solve a task than I did when I began"

  • "Having the benefit package and annuity and pension has benefited me and added value to my life on a career and personal level"

Build the Future With Us.

Become an Apprentice Today

Questions?

Questions?

Contact the Training Department at (860) 613-0700 or email us at training@iupatdc11.com