workforce training programs

hands-on training for painting crews

A stronger workforce means stronger results. VELA Solutions delivers field-tested, hands-on training programs that help painting contractors close skill gaps, improve quality, and boost profitability. Whether you’re looking to upskill new hires or prepare future crew leaders, our courses are built to make an impact where it matters most — on the jobsite.

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current training progams

This course is directed towards “helpers” to help make them more effective and efficient on the job. This course is focused on key elements that assist the painter(s) to keep production going on the site. The skills we’ll go over include:

  • Sanding and surface prep

  • Primer application

  • Surface protection & cleaning

  • Caulk & putty techniques and application

  • Basic “cut and roll” techniques

helper essentials

This course teaches the basics of drywall finishing skills so your crews can produce the smooth consistent surfaces your clients expect. This is an entry level course, designed for helpers or painters wanting to learn a new skill. Skills covered:

  • Mud consistency (per application)

  • Checking surfaces to be ready for tape

  • Taping basics

  • First coat joints

  • Finishing joints

  • Corner bead and other “floatable” trims (L-bead, tear away, bull nose etc..)

tape & Bed essentials*

This course focuses on fundamental painting techniques to ensure efficiency and quality in field application as far as consistency & textures. This is an entry level course, designed for helpers or floaters wanting to sharpen or learn new skills. Skills in this course:

  • Efficient rolling techniques

  • Cutting in edges

  • Using larger roller frames

  • Accent lines and detail work

Painting essentials*

“Punch Crew” is designed for intermediate helpers and/or painters/floaters to become more effective at punching out a job in preparation to leave behind a high-quality product that will leave your clients in awe and ready to put you on future projects. This course will cover:

  • Spackling and minor “patching”

  • Spot priming, burning in, & painting touch-ups

  • Identifying and avoiding flashing, as well as understanding when rolling “corner to corner” is essential

punch crew

This course was designed with the GC in mind and makes patchwork a “one stop shop” and helps make your paint crew stand out as a team player. Instead of forcing the GC/client to get more trades involved when it comes to patching, this course will upskill your finishers/painters to get patches taken care of from start to finish. Your crew will learn:

  • Substrate identification

  • Backing/support for drywall

  • Drywall Installation

  • California/Hot Patch techniques

  • Quickset mixing & application

  • Fiberglass tape application and floating

patching

This course is designed for crew members who are looking to bring their leadership aspirations to life by teaching them how to read and interpret architectural drawings, finish schedules and scope documents to confidently execute and direct projects. This course is designed to cover the following:

  • Understanding symbols and notations

  • Reading finish schedules

  • Scope identification

  • Translating architectural plans into actionable field instruction (including elevations as well as substrate identification)

blueprint & Plan reading

This course is meant to develop your crew leads & foremen or any other crew member(s) aspiring to get to the next level. Our main goal here is to emphasize communication, delegation and field management. This course will cover:

  • Task delegation and prioritization

  • Respectful & effective communication between superiors and crew members

  • Time management & jobsite efficiency

  • Toolbox talks & importance of keeping solid track of work in progress

  • Managing ticket work, change orders and contract work simultaneously

Leadership & Crew Management

Future Training Programs

We’re actively developing new courses to expand your crews’ skills and capabilities. here are some of our upcoming progams:

  • Advanced Drywall Finishes and Decorative Techniques - This course will go over level 4 & 5 drywall finishing along with how to fix “bad joints” and special finishes like hand troweling.

  • Automatic Drywall Finishing Tools - Boost your crews’ productivity with this course teaching members how to use the bazooka, banjo & finishing boxes

  • Spraying Essentials - This course is directed at teaching the basics of spraying and proper machine use.

Have a specific training need in mind? We’re open to course suggestions and can tailor programs to your team’s needs.

Build Crews that perform at a highher Level

Schedule a training session and start seeing results where they matter, on the field

Each course is a standalone program designed for small groups. Trainings can be bundled into a multi-session package scheduled across different dates.

*Indicates courses that are best delivered on active job sites to maximize the hands-on learning experience. Accommodations can be made to host these programs at your facility, with additional setup costs applying due to the extensive requirements of these courses. We’ll work with you to determine the most effective training setup for your team.

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