The Classroom
Located in Aurora, Illinois, the NCIFTI training facility is a state-of-the-art center where hands-on practice, technical instruction, and professional culture come together to prepare you for career success.
Learn by doing
The NCIFTI Difference
Where Classroom Takes on a New Meaning
NCIFTI’s state-of-the-art facility is designed to replicate real-world job sites, giving apprentices the opportunity to train with modern tools, materials, and techniques used throughout today’s finishing trade industries. Our training spaces combine classroom instruction with hands-on practice and virtual reality components, allowing apprentices to apply what they learn in practical, real-life scenarios under the guidance of experienced instructors. Our multidimensional, adaptable space is diffuse and fluid, often full of energy and excitement as apprentices move from one area to the next.
This immersive approach builds confidence, sharpens technical skills, and ensures apprentices graduate fully prepared to meet the demands, expectations, and standards of the modern workforce.
Where Classroom Takes on a New Meaning
NCIFTI’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to replicate real-world job sites, giving apprentices the opportunity to train with modern tools, materials, and techniques used throughout today’s finishing trades industry. Our training spaces combine classroom instruction with hands-on practice, allowing apprentices to apply what they learn in practical, real-life scenarios under the guidance of experienced instructors. This immersive approach builds confidence, sharpens technical skills, and ensures apprentices graduate fully prepared to meet the demands, expectations, and standards of the modern workforce.
SUCCESS STORIES FROM OUR GRADUATES
"The training facility at NCIFTI felt a lot like a real job site, which made the transition into the workforce much easier. Being able to practice in a hands-on environment helped me build confidence and understand what’s really expected in the real world."
We can remove this module if there isn't another testimonial available.
Ryan Brown, Former Apprentice
Meet the Instructors
Learn from experienced tradespeople who bring years of on-the-job expertise into the classroom. Our instructors combine real-world skill with a passion for teaching, guiding every apprentice toward mastery of their craft.
Lusiano Rodriguez
Instructor, Drywall Finishing
David Headley
Instructor, Glazing
Tim Neuzil
Instructor, Painting & Decorating
Daniel Valdivia
Instructor, Industrial Painting
Solomon Strickland
Instructor, Painting & Decorating
NCIFTI Support Team
Meet the staff members who make your success their mission. They coordinate programs, maintain resources, and provide the guidance to keep apprentices moving forward.
Amita Chakravarty
IPP Program Manager / Career Navigator
Stephen Lefaver
Director of Apprenticeship & Training
Veronica Perez
Administrative Assistant, Registrar
STEP INSIDE NCIFTI
Where Learning Comes to Life
Step inside our hands-on training space. Mock-up training areas, virtual reality components, skilled and certified instructors, and every tool you need to master the finishing trades.
