What We Do
We are the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI). Our purpose is to provide a complete pathway that links professional education, union support, and career stability, ensuring a well-balanced life for every craftsperson.
WHO we are
Building Strong Careers in the Finishing Trades
A tuition-free, three-year apprenticeship serving the future of the trades in Illinois.
The North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institution (NCIFTI) prepares the next generation of skilled finishing trades professionals through hands-on training and classroom instruction. Serving communities across North Central Illinois, NCIFTI connects education and industry to support strong careers, a skilled workforce, and the long-term success of the trades.
A tuition-free, three-year apprenticeship serving the future of the trades in Illinois.
The North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institution (NCIFTI) prepares the next generation of skilled finishing trades professionals through hands-on training and classroom instruction. Serving communities across North Central Illinois, NCIFTI connects education and industry to support strong careers, a skilled workforce, and the long-term success of the trades.
understanding apprenticeship and training
Empowering Craftspersons Through Education and Experience
Our core function is empowering craftspersons for continued employment in the finishing trades industry. This is achieved through a proven, two-part learning model that combines hands-on instruction at our facility in Aurora, Illinois with real, paid, on-the-job training in partnership with your employer - plus the opportunity to improve your skills through free continued education.
Apprenticeship
Training (Continued Education)
What is Apprenticeship?
NCIFTI programming is built on an "earn while you learn" model, combining structured education with real-world work experience, as detailed below. The best part? There is no tuition - YOU get paid while you build your career and get your education.
On-the-Job Training (OJT): Hands-on experience gained while performing work for a finishing trade contractor, often working alongside seasoned craftspersons and leaders in the industry.
Required Technical Instruction (RTI): Scheduled instruction at the NCIFTI training facility, including a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on application in mock jobsite settings, all delivered at the highest level of teaching excellence.
What is Continued Education?
Becoming a skilled tradesworker is a lifelong commitment. The NCIFTI's continued education courses enable you to invest in your future by learning new techniques and technologies throughout your career. And as always, the courses are available at no cost to you.
The Union Family
Joining the NCIFTI is stepping into a powerful network, the piece of the puzzle that provides security, stability, and shared commitment.
Be a Part of Something Bigger
When you become an NCIFTI apprentice, you also become a member of Painters District Council No. 30 (PDC 30). PDC 30 is a union construction trade organization covering finishing trade work throughout 29 counties in North-Central Illinois as an affiliate of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). In addition to career opportunities, your union membership connects you with a variety of exciting benefits, advantages, and resources - including those highlighted, below!
Healthcare Benefits
Our Health & Welfare Plan makes health care for you and your family affordable, sustainable, accessible, and responsive to the unique needs of those working in the construction industry. And with innovative offerings such as maternity leave benefits, a reimbursement account, and retiree health coverage, you can rest easy knowing you have support at every stage of your journey.
Mentorship and Support
Becoming union is much more than a group membership. Your fellow union brothers and sisters become just that - family. Through our mentorship initiatives and committees specific for females, latinx members, young workers, and retirees, it's easy to find the support you've been searching for.
Dignified Retirement
During your time as an active member, portions of your total wage package for the hours you work are contributed by your employer to two retirement plans: the PDC 30 Pension Plan and the Retirement Savings Plan (a 401K-like benefit). Together, these plans provide income you will need to help you and your family achieve financial independence after you retire and enjoy a satisfying retirement.
Respectful Workplaces
As a union, PDC 30 is committed to ensuring safe workplaces for each and every member - and this commitment extends beyond physical safety. Our Social Safety Zone courses equip members with the knowledge and tools to address harassment and discrimination and to seek help if they experience mental health challenges at any point in their career.
Wages Worth Celebrating
Work in the unionized finishing trades is established by a contract, which outlines your wages, benefits, and working conditions. The union negotiates the terms on your behalf and works tirelessly to ensure that wages reflect the rigorous, skilled nature of the work performed.
Community & Belonging
Our union regularly coordinates volunteer projects throughout North Central Illinois and hosts membership appreciation events throughout the year. Together, we celebrate family and give back whenever we can - because when we show up, we build more than projects. We build community.
Support Paths
Your journey is unique. At every stage of your career, the NCIFTI network offers support and resources to help you grow with confidence. Learn more about your network of support, below.
Your School
From job placement to continued education, the NCIFTI school is your resource throughout your entire career. Our knowledgeable staff and instructors, our innovative curriculum offerings, and our state-of-the-art training facility will provide you with an opportunity to become the best in the field.
Your Union
PDC 30 is your union, built to serve your needs in an ever-changing, increasingly complex construction environment. Our various resources, programs, and services make careers in the finishing trades possible, connect you to your community, give you a voice in important decisions affecting your work and income, maintain your health and care for your family, allow you to plan a dignified and rewarding retirement, and protect the future of your trade.
Your Employers
When you become a union apprentice, you begin working for a union-affiliated contractor. All contractors in our network work closely with the NCIFTI and PDC 30, so you can rest assured that you will be taken care of on and off the job. Your employer is committed to providing lucrative wages and safe working conditions, as required under their contract with the Union.
We're Here to Meet Your Needs
Seeking a Career
Learn more about the the advantages of apprenticeship and see firsthand what a career in the finishing trades looks like.
Apprenticeship Programs
Learn more about the apprenticeship structure and curriculum pathways.
The Classroom
Learn about our state-of-the-art training facility and the NCIFTI "classroom" experience.
Apply
Interested in starting your NCIFTI journey? Learn how to take the next step toward becoming an apprentice.
