Training FAQs

Description: C1 provides a comprehensive overview of the protective coatings industry. Broader themed than inspection courses (e.g., NACE CIP), it is an ideal introduction to or refresher for reviewing the fundamentals of corrosion and the use of coatings as a protective mechanism against corrosion and deterioration of marine and industrial structures.
Length: 40 hours classroom (can be broken up over a couple weekends) with 100 question exam
Who should attend: in DC 17’s opinion, ALL Industrial Paint members should take C1 at some point.
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

Description: C3 contains specific discussions on protecting workers, compliance with environmental regulations, proper management of waste streams and operations that result in potential exposures to lead and other hazards, and associated control technology. It includes background information on the hazards of lead and other toxic metals (e.g., arsenic) as well as a review of the current legal and regulatory issues. The course also addresses developing programs to effectively control risks to workers, the public, and the environment
Length: 32 hours classroom with 100 question exam
Who should attend: supervisors involved in hazardous paint removal projects.
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

Description: annually (after C3) for QP2 Contractors, biannually otherwise. One day review of C3
Length: 8 hour classroom with 25 question exam
Who should attend: same as C3
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

Description: C2 is not an introductory course. Designed for supervisors and seasoned tradesmen with a solid understanding of coating fundamentals, C2 provides an overview of the principles of planning, awarding, and monitoring the quality of new construction or maintenance painting projects. After completing this training program, students will be familiar with tools to develop effective coating projects and play a more active role in managing painting projects to successful completion.
Length: 40 hours classroom (can be broken up over a couple weekends) with 100 question exam
Who should attend: seasoned industrial painters in supervisory positions
Instructor: Finishing Trades and Third Party Instructors (FTI)
For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

Description: SSPC Plural Component Application for Polyureas and High Solid Coatings is a new SSPC training program. The two previous offerings of this course in DC 17 [April 2017 in Edmonton and Saskatoon] were the 1^st offerings in the entire IUPAT. Additionally, these were only the 6^th or  7^th times the courses had ever been offered by SSPC. So, it’s new to the SSPC cue, and probably needs some tweaks. Still, it has some fantastic information re plural equipment and spray; the only other similar program (SSPC C14) focuses exclusively on manifold mix plural spray. But this course dives into both manifold mix (i.e., high solids coatings) and gun mix (i.e., polyurea) plural gear. There is nothing else offered like it out there.

Length: week – two day classroom (w/ written exam), followed by 1 day review of both plural rigs and then practicals on both plural units

Who should attend: seasoned industrial painters in with previous experience (800 hours) on plural equipment.

Enrollment: very limited; 8 max

For more information: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694

For all District Council 17 training related questions, or to schedule or request training: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

Yes. Calendar is routinely updated to reflect upcoming DC training events. If you don’t confirm enrollment, the schedule could later shift to accommodate other training demands. To confirm your enrollment: Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

• L177EDM: 17804 118 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5S2W3, 780.484.8645
• L739SK: 101A – 135 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon SK S7L6M3, 306.244.6184
• L739MB: 168 Higgins Ave, Winnipeg MB R3B0B8, 204.943.2497

Training is only provided to members working for District Council 17’s signatory contractors. See website links for health and safety training, skills training, and supervisor training. The courses and (when necessary) applicable descriptions are listed there.

Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694 to enroll for in-house Energy Safety Canada (ESC) offerings @ L177EDM (or L739SK) in route to dispatch site
Background: L177 has some non-Alberta resident members who maintain their membership for occasional shutdown work. 11+ months / year they are working ‘back home’, out-of-province. These members are welcome to do this. However, with so few man-hours worked in Alberta, their training contributions are simply insufficient to justify the costs for outsourcing for a month shutdown.

Please e-mail DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694 to discuss.

Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694.

The Coating Applicator Specialist (aka, CAS) certification is a written and practical (blast & spray) exam by AMPP designating one to have met the minimum knowledge and skillset requirements for an Industrial Coating Applicator as described in the Joint Standard AMPP ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification.
CAS certification is requested by more and more industrial site owners as an Applicator Certification in much the same way as NACE CIP is for coating inspection certification.

AMPP actually has two levels of CAS – Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is for the inexperienced / new hires. District Council 17 offers CAS “Level 2” as this is the applicator certification that owners prefer.

AMPP is phasing out the interim status. All attendees will now certify as full status. If you still have an interim status please contact training@dc17.ca when renewal is due to fill out an application to challenge full status.

CAS certifications are due for renewal every 3 years. You must have proveable field hours and have a minimum of 36 hours of industry related training over a 3 year period. Contact training@dc17.ca to renew.

Before IUPAT and AMPP negotiated their original agreement, L177 developed the Journeyman Industrial Painter (JIP) program (aka, Gold Seal). Although not quite mirror images, the 177 JIP was modeled off AMPP’s CAS.
As a result, if you have your CAS Level 2 Certification, 177 members do not need to retake the JIP practical. Assuming you have the verifiable industrial hours, if you have CAS, all you need to do is write the JIP. If successful, you will be issued your JIP and dispatched as a Journeyman.

This program will be phased out and replaced with Apprenticeship training. Please click on our Painter Decorator Apprenticeship for more information.

Yes, however the JIP program will be phased out and replaced with Apprenticeship period training. Please click on our Painter Decorator Apprenticeship for more information.

The preferred route for all trades training is the Red Seal Apprenticeship program. Currently Saskatchewan does not offer apprenticeship training. Members are welcome to attend training in Edmonton or Winnipeg however we realize that is not a financially viable option for all members.

CAS is a required step for 739 members to become certified as a Journeyperson in District Council 17. There are many requirements to meet. Please contact training@dc17.ca for more information.

The preferred route to Journeyman status is through period Apprenticeship training. For experienced individuals who have been in the trade for years another option is to challenge the Red Seal Exam. Please view our Painter Decorator Apprenticeship Training section for more information.

Currently it is up to the individual to contact the local apprenticeship authority to challenge the Red Seal Exam.

DC 17 industrial painting members (or reciprocals working in our footprint) with at least 6000 verifiable hours in industrial coatings can challenge the CAS exam.

When evaluating non-union hours, things considered are whether you were truly mentored in that time, what tasks did you perform, what skills did you learn, the reputation of the employer, etc.
Additionally, these hours must be somehow documented – pay stubs, letter from previous employer (manager or higher), etc.

DC 17 offers CAS exams annually or on request. Exams are available at both our training facilities in Edmonton or Saskatoon. DC 17 members can take it in either place.

Email DC17 Training at training@dc17.ca or call 800.322.0694 for CAS Application.
Applications must be completed in full by the applicant. If applications are missing information they will be rejected.

AMPP CAS consists of a written and blast & spray practical. It is expected that applicants will have learned the required knowledge on the job. CAS is a CERTIFICATION, not an instructional course.
If a preparation course is desired it must be hosted prior to the AMPP CAS certification taking place. Please contact training@dc17.ca to arrange.

For the practical: you’re taking an applicator test for blasting and spray; you either know how to blast and spray, or you don’t. However, in the prep classes, we will review the CAS panel and discuss ‘strategy’ for the practical.

No. Our IUPAT – AMPP agreement does not apply to public offerings. Only private offerings with internal IUPAT AMPP instructors and proctors are have the costs covered for IUPAT members. You can take a public offering, and that certification would clearly count, but the Hall will not reimburse tuition costs for public courses.

No. IUPAT does not have an agreement with CIP courses as we do with the CAS certifications. However, Local 177 has recently began hosting AMPP CIP courses. As a result of this agreement District Council 17 is able to award seats to select members.

If you think you qualify for a seat to attend CIP 1 (Basic) or CIP 2 (Certified) please contact training@dc17.ca.

Nothing – the two organizations have merged.

NACE International, formerly the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, was established by a group of engineers for the petroleum industry. NACE is headquartered in Houston.
SSPC, the Society of Protective Coatings (formerly the Steel Structures Painting Council), headquartered in Pittsburgh, formed after NACE and focused on structural steel.

The merger is still in progress however courses, standards, committees, etc. have been merged or are in the process of mergin.

For signatory contractors, successful training means a better, more efficient workforce, with a ‘positive vibe’, less rework, and ultimately enabling your company to be more profitable.

The high standard of training sets Union Members apart from non-union workers. District Counci 17 wants to demonstrate its highly skilled members on large scale projects across the country. As a result members receive training included in the cost of their training contributions to make them the safest and most skilled workforce on the planet. This investment instills a greater confidence in yourself and your brother and sister coworkers on the job-site.

Geography – District Council 17 is spread across 2 territories and 3 provinces with a footprint almost half the size of Europe. Key training centres in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg reach the majority of our members. Instructors are mobile and also able to reach members in Ft McMurray, Calgary, and Regina on an as needed basic.

Multiple Trades – District Council 17 serves a number of Finishing Trades. We couldn’t possibly offer training for all trades on a scheduled basis however we are more than willing to supply training on an as-needed basis. Reach out to training@dc17.ca with your request.