The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades announced that a select group of drywall finishing apprentices will participate in BUILD26, the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry’s Annual Convention and Expo. The event will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The convention will feature a Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship Showcase highlighting the union’s training standards, technical precision and craftsmanship. Live demonstrations will provide attendees with an overview of the apprenticeship curriculum and applied jobsite skills.

As demand increases for high-performance building envelopes and high-quality interior finishes, IUPAT stated it remains focused on workforce development. The showcase is intended to give attendees a firsthand look at the training drywall finishing apprentices receive, including advanced taping and finishing techniques and the use of emerging materials and technologies.

“Our participation in AWCI Build26 reflects the high standards of training established by the IUPAT,” said Kirk Malcom, chair of the Drywall Finishing Committee for the IUPAT. “By showcasing our apprentices on a national stage, we are demonstrating to contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders that the future of the drywall industry is in skilled, safe and disciplined hands. These apprentices are mastering a trade that contributes to the aesthetic and structural integrity of buildings.”

The showcase will include live demonstrations emphasizing precision, technical accuracy and finish quality associated with IUPAT training. Convention attendees are encouraged to visit booth No. 229. Vendors are also invited to provide products for use during the demonstrations to illustrate real-world applications.

For more information, visit iupat.org.