Painters Local 363

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🥳Another pre-apprentice has earned his way into a union!🥳

Judah Shelby has always been creative and enjoyed painting and creating. It’s why he took part in our 2024 pre-apprentice program, with an eye on joining Painters Local 363. They didn’t have openings after he graduated, but he got a job in the industry to gain experience, and stayed in close contact, never letting them forget how much he wanted to be a union member.

This week, he started with International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 363!! 🥳

“I wanted to be in the union and it’s surreal that it actually happened,” he said. “It’s a good feeling, something I’m excited about, and it shows as long as you keep in contact with the people you meet in this program and get some experience, doors are bound to open for you. Just stick it out! Keep going!”

The 22-year-old has always been creative, even starting his own clothing brand after graduating from Champaign Centennial, loved painting and “being in the business of aesthetics.” His uncle, who is also in the trades, sent him information about our pre-apprentice program, telling him what a great opportunity it could be.

He did union internships and worked as an independent painter, but is now the third pre-apprentice to land a union job from our Summer 2024 class, which was a pre-cursor to our current program.
“I appreciate everyone sticking beside me,” he said. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without them.”

Congratulations, Judah!!! 🥳🥳

Illinois State AFL-CIO