IUPAT DC 53 and Flatwoods Job Corps Partner to Build Career Pathways in the Trades

A partnership between IUPAT District Council 53 and Flatwoods Job Corps is helping students gain the skills they need for careers in the painting and finishing trades. Through hands-on training and job readiness support, the program is preparing young people to enter the workforce with a clear path to union apprenticeship and long-term success.

Tim Knapp, the painting instructor at Flatwoods Job Corps, knows the value of this program because he’s been through it himself. A 2000 graduate of Flatwoods Job Corps, Knapp spent over a decade running his own painting business before returning to teach. “I tell students, ‘Give me one year of your life and I’ll do everything I can to get you a job,’” Knapp said. “We focus on employability skills—being on time, staying off your phone, being present and professional. At the same time, we’re training them in every aspect of painting—from brushing and rolling to sanding, caulking, drywall finishing, airless spraying, staining, sandblasting, and more.”

The students don’t just work on training panels—they work on real jobs around the center, giving them exposure to different surfaces and techniques. “We’ve sprayed metal roofs, painted wood, and everything in between. It’s about preparing them so they’re not lost when they walk onto a real job site,” said Knapp. “We want them to leave here ready to step into a second-year apprenticeship with the union, and we teach them about the Painter’s Union—what it offers, the benefits, the brotherhood, and the retirement. We try to give them everything we can.”

Christopher Jackson, a current student, came to Flatwoods after attending another Job Corps center for landscaping. “Job Corps really offers a lot, especially if you want to get your life on track and get out of minimum wage work,” he said. “When I got into painting, it opened my eyes—there’s so much to it. I didn’t know there were so many types of paint. It’s not just putting a brush on the wall. It takes skill and knowledge.”

Jackson is focused on learning both the physical and mental sides of the trade. “You can be hands-on all day, but if you don’t understand what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter. I want to take what Mr. Knapp teaches us and apply it in real life. I’m going to get hired—I know that—and I’ll be ready.”

For Devin Nibblins, painting started with a peaceful moment. “We were painting railings outside, and I realized I could do this for a living,” he said. “Hearing from instructors about the long-term opportunities made me decide to stick with painting.” Devin also credits the program and Job Corp with helping him grow personally. “I’m a vice president here. The Job Corps has helped me become a better leader. It taught me patience, focus, and that I can succeed if I stay on track.”

Zachary Sorrow, another student, came into the program with experience painting houses growing up. “I’ve always done art, so painting just felt natural,” he said. “I’m getting my diploma, I have my license and car—I’m building a stable life and looking for a solid career. I’ve learned how to use a spray gun, how to handle chemicals safely, and how to stay protected with the right PPE. There’s more science behind it than I expected.”

Together, these students and instructors are building more than just skills—they’re building a pathway to good-paying jobs, lifelong careers, and a brighter future through the support of IUPAT DC 53.

This partnership with the Job Corps is more than training. It’s about giving young people a real shot at success.