A Hands-On Pathway Into Painting Careers
More than 28,100 painting job openings are projected annually in the United States through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the same time, employers continue to need workers who understand jobsite preparation, product selection, safety, professionalism, and the fundamentals of quality paint application.
Building Talent Foundation and the Sherwin-Williams Foundation are helping address that need through a no-cost, hands-on Basic Painter Training and Placement Program now active across Florida markets, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Ocala.
The program is designed to help motivated job seekers move from little or no experience to industry-trained and employer-ready in just three days.
This is not a classroom-only training. Participants learn on real surfaces, in real spaces, using professional-grade materials, and have the opportunity to meet employers as they complete the program.
What the Program Delivers
The three-day curriculum was developed by Sherwin-Williams and covers the fundamentals employers need from entry-level painters, including surface preparation, drywall repair, caulking, paint application, product selection, jobsite safety, and workplace professionalism.
Sherwin-Williams also certifies instructors before students begin training, helping ensure quality and consistency across training locations.
On Day 1, participants receive classroom instruction in the Sherwin-Williams Basic Painter curriculum along with career support from BTF, including resume writing, interview preparation, and guidance on how to navigate a first job in the trades.
Days 2 and 3 move participants into hands-on training at an actual painting site, such as a vacant apartment or building unit, where they work with professional-grade Sherwin-Williams materials on real preparation and painting tasks.
Every graduate receives a Sherwin-Williams Certificate of Completion. Graduates are also introduced to local employers at a hiring event on graduation day, with support from BTF to help connect training to real career opportunities.
Participants Receive, at No Cost
Participants in the program receive:
Sherwin-Williams Basic Painter curriculum
Hands-on training on a real painting site
Professional-grade Sherwin-Williams materials
A Sherwin-Williams Certificate of Completion
BTF resume writing and interview coaching
Direct employer introductions at a graduation hiring event
Six-month post-hire coaching and job retention support from BTF
Access to JobsToBuild, BTF’s career platform, for job matching and career opportunities
Where Training Is Happening in Florida
The program is currently active across Florida markets, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Ocala, with current and upcoming training partners helping expand access to no-cost painter training.
Ocala
Training is active through CATI, Construction Academy and Training Institute.
CATI, Construction Academy and Training Institute
800 SW 12th Ave.
Ocala, FL 34471
Register through JobsToBuild
Miami area
Current and upcoming partners include Miami Dade College, Florida International University, and Goodwill.
Miami Dade College, North Campus
11380 NW 27th Ave.
Miami, FL 33167
Register through JobsToBuild
Florida International University, College of Engineering & Computing
10555 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33174
Register through JobsToBuild
Orlando area
The Orlando market is preparing additional program capacity, including a Train-the-Trainer certification scheduled for July 20-22. Participating organizations for upcoming training activity include Valencia College, Orange County Corrections, Orange County Work Release, AMIkids, and Florida International University.
Tampa area
The Tampa program is being supported through CDC of Tampa.
Additional registration pages may be added as new cohorts and training partners come online.
Why This Model Works
Painting is one of the most accessible entry points into a skilled trades career. It does not require prior experience, expensive tools, or a multi-year apprenticeship before someone can begin building skills and earning a paycheck. But professional painting does require training, consistency, product knowledge, preparation, and jobsite professionalism.
That is what this program is built to deliver in three focused days.
For job seekers, painting can be an entry point into a stable skilled trade career, with room to grow into crew leadership, project supervision, estimating, business ownership, or related careers in construction.
For employers, the program creates a direct connection to candidates who have completed hands-on training, earned a recognized certificate, and received coaching on workplace readiness before entering the hiring conversation.
Built to Reach More Job Seekers
This program is also designed to reduce barriers that often keep people from taking the first step.
BTF’s recruiting and local partnerships are built to reach job seekers from many backgrounds, including people who are looking for work, returning citizens, veterans, and individuals facing barriers to employment. The Sherwin-Williams Learning Pathway is available in English and Spanish, and JobsToBuild is mobile-accessible, helping participants register, build a profile, and stay connected to career opportunities.
Connecting Training to Employment
BTF’s role does not end when training is complete.
BTF Engagement Managers help connect graduates to employers, hiring events, and career opportunities. After placement, BTF provides six months of post-hire coaching and retention support to help participants succeed on the job and continue moving forward.
For employers, that means the program is more than a training activity. It is a workforce connection model designed to support both the candidate and the employer after the first hire.
About the Partnership
This program is made possible through support from the Sherwin-Williams Foundation, which helps cover BTF’s program management and operations as well as paint and supplies for training cohorts. Sherwin-Williams provides curriculum, materials, and instructor certification to support consistent training quality across program locations.
Building Talent Foundation brings the workforce infrastructure: local Engagement Managers, employer connections, education and recruiting partnerships, hiring event support, and JobsToBuild, BTF’s career platform for tracking training progress, job matching, and outcomes.
Florida is the starting point. The program is designed as a replicable model that can expand to additional markets.
Get Involved
Job seekers:
Register for a no-cost Basic Painter Training program through an available Florida location page.
Employers:
Connect with BTF to meet trained candidates at an upcoming hiring event.
Training providers:
Interested in hosting a future cohort? Contact BTF to discuss partnership opportunities.
Current registration pages:
Miami Dade College
Florida International University
CATI, Construction Academy and Training Institute
Contact:
Branka Minic, CEO
branka.minic@buildingtf.org
305-491-7368
JobsToBuild.com