New equipment helps keep apprentices sharp

When mastering a new trade, it’s important for students to learn by using the same tools they would find on a job site. At FTI, we ensure our students have access to the latest equipment and technology available in the finishing trades industry as one way to make their apprenticeship experience as valuable as possible.

Recently the school purchased a selection of steel panels built to SSPC specs for painting students and a spray pump machine for the drywall finishing students.

“The panels are used by our second year painting classes. The student will use the panel in industrial surface preparation, coating, and air spraying,” said Mark Tenbroek, FTI’s painting coordinator and instructor.
During industrial surface preparation, students get the opportunity to learn about abrasive blasting, grinding, and solvent cleaning. While coating, they gain an understanding of how primers, intermediate coats, and top coats all relate to each other to make the finished product.

Air spraying is a process students learn in first year. Using the panels, second year students build on their knowledge of spraying by using the more complex HVLP system to spray the final paint coat on the panel’s beam and pipe.

For drywall finishing students, FTI’s purchase of the Apla-Tech Pneumatic and Continuous Flow Drywall Finishing System introduces them to the latest in ergonomically correct finishing tools and gives them a taste of what they might find on some of the larger commercial jobs.

“The pump is ergonomically correct. Using the pump is easy on your body and faster because you don’t have to fill it up with mud,” said Brent Dubois, drywall finishing coordinator and instructor. “If they go on a job, they can say they are familiar with the latest tools. There are a few companies out there using this new drywall finishing system, especially in highrise towers.”