The JATC program originated in 1919, in conjunction with the Chicago Public School system and functioned for many years at the Washburne Trade School. In its day, the new Washburne became an outstanding model for Apprenticeship programs across the land, and unique for providing side-by-side training for students engaged in several building trades. During the 1920's, the program grew to include 11 trades, all taught by competent tradesmen teachers.

The Depression years of the 1930’s set back the program, but it resumed momentum with enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937…which gave birth to the modern Apprenticeship system by creating Standards of Skills and putting the U.S. Department of Labor into a supervisory role to guarantee upholding those essential Standards.

Enrollment surged in the 1940's. Returning World War II veterans entered the program and market demands created new housing. These converging forces produced an enhanced

Washburne Trade School program, encompassing all major building trades plus other Apprenticeship occupational programs.

The JATC program continued evolving over the years, and in 1962, a Trust Agreement defined the modern collaboration between Painters' District Council No. 14 and the Contractor's Association now known as Chicago PDCA/FCA.

The Drywall Finishing program was founded in 1975 to complement the Painting and Decorating Program and professionalize the taping trade. Its founding principle was to enhance the Apprentice trainee educational experience with both practical, hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge.

In June of 1995, both the JATC program and the newer DFTC programs moved into a new state-of-the-art training facility in Berkeley, Illinois, where they remain today. As such, the Chicago Area JATC/DFTC school has matured into perhaps the finest training program in the country for its clientele of aspiring painting, decorating, and drywall finishing Apprentices . . . and veteran painters and tapers wishing to enhance their skills.