The JATC/DFTC training staff is comprised of competent painting, decorating, and drywall finishing professionals who, earlier in their working

careers, completed training to become Journeymen and worked for years in the field. Now, they focus upon training a new generation of Union professionals.

Mr. Bogdan graduated from the Drywall Finishing program at Washburne in 1985 and worked for 20 years in the field as a Journeyman taper, specializing in commercial work. He holds training certifications from the IUPAT, OSHA, and Ames Taping Tools. He attended the very first Journeyman Upgrading Course conducted by the DFTC in 1993.

Mr. Krawiec completed his three-year Apprenticeship and worked for 15 years as a Journeyman painter prior to serving the past seven years as a Specialty Instructor in faux finishes, woodgraining, and marbleizing. His credentials include training certifications from OSHA, IUPAT, Red Cross, and the City of Chicago. He has done ceiling restorations at the Northwestern Medical Library and LaSalle Bank. He holds an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences from Marshall University and received his B. A. degree in Education from the National Labor College in May, 2008.

Mr. Kolder graduated from Washburne and worked for 26 years as a Journeyman painter, including 15 years as a Foreman and Assistant Superintendent. Spending 16 months as a Job Corps Instructor for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, he then joined the JATC staff, where he has served as an Instructor for the last six years. He holds trainer certifications from OSHA, NACE, the City of Chicago, IUPAT, and the Red Cross.

Mr. Chamorro completed his apprenticeship at Washburne Trade School. He is our 1st bilingual Taping Instructor. Mr. Chamorro was the Taping Superintendent at Kole Construction Co., Inc. for the past seven years and has 18 years experience in the field. Mr. Chamorro specialized in Spraying Fire Sealants and various Level Five Material Finishes. Certifications include OSHA 500, The Finishing Trades Institute Teacher Tech 1 and Ames Tools.

Mr. Watte graduated from the JATC Apprentice Program as Apprentice of the Year in 1977. He worked for 16 years as a Journeyman painter, served as an Instructor for 16 years at the school, and served as the Painting & Decorating Apprentice Training Coordinator. After several years service as Training Coordinator, Jim returned to being an instructor. He is a certified National PDCA Wallcovering Consultant, and holds training credentials from the Red Cross, IUPAT, and OSHA.

Mr. McCalla completed his Apprentice training and worked for 17 years as a Journeyman painter, specializing in industrial work. He holds an Associate Degree from Joliet Junior College, and has served as an Instructor for two years. His credentials include IUPAT, Red Cross, NACE, OSHA, SSPC, and City of Chicago certifications.

Hector Hernandez has joined the staff of the JATC Apprentice School, where he will be teaching first-year Apprentices brush & roll and basic surface preparation techniques. A swing stage specialist with 23 years of field experience, Hector previously worked for M. Ecker & Company. He completed his own apprenticeship at Washburne Trade School, graduating in 1987 as Apprentice of the Year with the Perfect Attendance Award.