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Taper and Finisher Apprenticeship

What Does a Taper & Finisher Do?
What Are the Working Conditions?
How is the Training Structured?
What are the Application Requirements?
What Skills Should I Possess?
Who Do I Contact?
Additional Resources

Did you know?*

• Most workers learn this trade on the job by starting as helpers to more experienced workers; additional classroom instruction may also be needed.
• Job prospects are expected to be good.
• Inclement weather seldom interrupts work, but workers may be idled when downturns in the economy slow construction activity.
• The Taper and Finisher apprenticeship is a 3-year program

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What Does a Taper & Finisher Do?

Taper and Finishers apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings and interior walls of buildings. They seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering. They may install exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) and may apply venetian plaster and decorative finishes. They mix compound by hand or with a portable electric mixer and spread compound over joints between boards using a hawk, trowel or broadknife. They press paper tape over joint to embed tape into compound and seals joint using mechanical applicator that spreads compound and embeds tape in one operation. They spread and smooth cementing material over tape using a hawk, trowel or floating machine to blend the joint with wall surface and corner angles with the aid of an angle box tool. They sand rough spots after the compound has dried and fill cracks and holes in walls and ceilings with sealing compound. They install metal molding at corners in lieu of sealant and tape. They may apply texturing compound and primer to walls and ceiling prior to final finishing and may also countersink nails or screws below the surface of the wall prior to applying sealing compound using a hammer or screwdriver. Taper and Finishers may perform tasks involved with the application of exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) including preparing substrate surface and protecting surfaces, both finished and substrate, from water and run off. They free substrate and foam of foreign material and plane. They apply reinforcing mesh and fasten foam and detail with adhesive, and mix coating and material with a portable mixer and apply it with a trowel. They coat and spray finish over base coat and detailing. They may also erect scaffolding which may be used for interior walls and ceiling, exterior drywall or EIFS work that may require special finishes or textures applied with a hawk, trowel or special texture brushes.

Tasks:

• Comply with OSHA safety procedures, including: identify jobsite safety rules; erect rolling scaffolding; erect fixed scaffolding; dispose of jobsite debris; sweep jobsite floors; scrape jobsite floors; store unused equipment and material on jobsite; perform a final jobsite clean up.
• Prepare jobsite, including: order materials for the job; inventory drywall materials; setup mixing area; inspect drywall surfaces before taping.
• Install bead products, including: select bead and trim for the project; select fasteners for the specific application on a project; install beads (trim) on the project.
• Embed tape, including: mix taping muds; repair fractured drywall (GWB); install joint tape on drywall; roll and glaze inside angles; spot screwheads fastening drywall panels; repair drywall around electrical receptacles.
• Apply finish, including: select tools for application of finish coats; topcoat the embedded tape (level 2); apply second coat of compound over level 2 (level 3); apply third coat of compound over level 3 (level 4); sand the drywall compound to accept paint; scimcoat the entire wall (level 5).
• Apply textures, including: verify texture tape; determine the method of application; select equipment and material for the application of texture; operate spray equipment apply textures; inspect walls for application; mask and protect adjacent materials; apply chosen textured materials; remove masking and covers from adjacent materials and protected areas.
• Install exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) including: verify the specified EIFS system; inspect for proper installation of flashings; follow systems method of installation; install backwrapping; install foam substrate; complete rasping of foam; install cut in grooves (and reveals); cover finished items within system; install mesh and basecoat; complete color prime on caulk joints; apply finish texture; perform EIFS cleaning procedures as needed throughout the process.
• Maintain tools and equipment, including: perform routine tool maintenance; inspect tools for damage; tag and report damaged tools for repair; clean tools and equipment; lubricate tools and equipment; store tools to prevent damage or theft.

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What Are the Working Conditions?

Taper and finishers stand for prolonged periods. Their jobs also require a considerable amount of climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching with arms raised overhead. Taper and finishers often work outdoors but seldom in wet, cold or inclement weather. They wear masks to reduce exposure to hazardous materials or paint fumes when working in areas with poor ventilation.

The work may be indoors or outdoors involving standing, climbing, bending or working from scaffolding and ladders. Much of the work is done alone requiring independent thinking, safety awareness and ability to communicate with the customer.

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How is the Training Structured?

• 3 year training program
• 4,280 hours on-the-job training
• 400 hours paid related instruction
• 80 hours of unpaid related instruction (total number of unpaid instruction hours are determined by the local committee)
• Apprentice must complete Red Cross First Aid and OSHA Safety Training courses (included in 80 hours of unpaid instruction)
• Apprentice must complete the Transition-To-Trainer course in his/her final year

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What are the Application Requirements?

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Physically able to perform trade
• Valid driver's license or reliable transportation

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What Skills Should I Possess?

• Building and Construction- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures.
• Mathematics- Knowledge of arithmetic, basic algebra, and their applications.
• Communication- Oral and written with an emphasis on understanding verbal instructions in English, written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Vision- Be able to distinguish color.
• Dependability- Job requires being reliable, responsible, dependable, and on time.
• Extent Flexibility- The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• Control Precision- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a lift.
• Explosive/Static Strength- The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to position oneself. The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects
• Manual/Finger Dexterity- The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp or manipulate objects. The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Inductive Reasoning- The ability to combine pieces of information from a work schedule to complete a job timely within quality standards.
• Trunk Strength- The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
• Wrist-Finger Speed- The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Choose your area:
Northeast
Northwest
Southeast
Southwest

Northeast

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Kathy O'Sullivan Jane Kramer
Madison Area Painting & Decorating JAC	1571 Ivory Dr Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Phone: (608) 834-1690 Fax: (608) 834-0044	Mary Pierce

Northwest

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Kathy O'Sullivan
Madison Area Painting & Decorating JAC	1571 Ivory Dr Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Phone: (608) 834-1690 Fax: (608) 834-0044	Mary Pierce

Southeast

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Jane Kramer Mary Harrington
Kenosha Area Painting & Decorating JAC	P.O. Box 510308 New Berlin, WI 53151 Phone: (262) 657-1287
Madison Area Painting & Decorating JAC	1571 Ivory Dr Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Phone: (608) 834-1690 Fax: (608) 834-0044	Mary Pierce
Milwaukee Area Painting & Decorating JAC	P.O. Box 510308 New Berlin, WI 53151 Phone: (262) 657-1287	Hafeezah Ahmad
Racine Area Painting & Decorating JAC	3003 39th Avenue Rm102 Kenosha, WI 53144 Phone: (262) 657-0988

Southwest

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Kathy O'Sullivan
Madison Area Painting & Decorating JAC	1571 Ivory Dr Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Phone: (608) 834-1690 Fax: (608) 834-0044	Mary Pierce

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Taper and Finisher trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos205.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook

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