The Painters District Council 58 signatory contractor D&L Painting & Drywall, of Missouri, have addressed the labor shortage with the training of women. In this St. Louis setting, employees explain how to patch holes in drywall as part of an event celebrating Women in Construction Week sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction St. Louis Chapter. 

The March 4 hands-on class, which was well attended, was held at D&L Painting at 2600 Endicott Ave in St. Louis. D&L Painting is a WBE owned by DeAnna Helfer, and it has been a member company of NAWIC St. Louis since 2011.     

But it's not just this local. Several unions and organizations across the United States offer training programs to help women enter the drywall installation trade. Here are some notable programs:

• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades: IUPAT offers a comprehensive drywall finishing apprenticeship that teaches participants to master drywall finishing tools, materials and techniques. The program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training, covering aspects, such as working with joints, angles, and surfaces.
• North America's Building Trades Unions: NABTU is committed to training in the construction industry, operating over 1,900 training centers across North America. They train 71% of construction apprentices, offering earn-as-you-learn programs that pay family-sustaining wages and provide benefits from day one. These programs are open to all individuals, including women, aiming to equip them with top-notch trade skills for lifelong careers in the building trades. 
• Sisters in the Brotherhood – North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters: This program offers an eight-week pre-apprenticeship specifically for women, providing an introduction to carpentry and related fields, including drywall installation. Participants gain knowledge of tools and job-site readiness, helping them build confidence and secure employment in the industry.
• Bridging Outstanding Opportunities with Tradeswomen Skills: Offered by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters, BOOTS is a four-week pre-apprenticeship program designed to empower and assist women considering a career as a union carpenter. The program serves as an introduction to carpentry, focusing on safety, math, framing, concrete form building, and more, which are essential skills for drywall installation. 
• National Association of Women in Construction: NAWIC is a professional association that supports women in the construction industry through networking, professional education, and mentorship. While not a union, NAWIC provides resources and support for women pursuing careers in various construction trades, including drywall installation.

These programs aim to provide comprehensive training and support to women pursuing careers in drywall installation and other skilled trades.