Apprenticeship

[Amy]

Does anyone know a paperhanger who would do an apprenticeship? I have hung quite a bit of paper, but would like to sharpen my skills. I am a fast learner and do good work.

[Lillian]

Hi Amy, Where are you located? What type of experience do you have. Have you joined the NGPP yet?
Lillian

[Amy]

Hi Lillian,

I am in Asheville, NC, but am willing to travel to obtain training. Not a member yet, but planning on joining soon.

[Lillian]

Hi Amy,
I'm in Nashville. A little to far to work with me full time. There are a couple of chapters in North Carolina. Consider joining one of these chapters. When I have a big job here, your welcome to come and install with me. I do commercial and residential papers, murals, various types of wallcoverings. Joining the guild was the very best thing I ever did for my career. What I miss most, is not having a local chapter to belong to. That was the best.
Lillian

[Amy]

Lillian,

Do you need someone to work full time? I don't mind coming to live in the area for an extended period of time (I actually grew up close to Nashville).

Thank you for all the great advice. I did contact the NGPP for a local chapter, and the closest one is about 2 hours away. Unfortunately, the person they told me to contact in that chapter didn't have any ideas on how I could get more training here in NC. If you need a full-time person or know someone who does, I would definitely be interested - in any location! :)

[Eunice, PRS Reporter]

Sometimes when you are not cleose enough to have anyone be your teacher you have to teach yourself. Read all you can and talk to other installers when possible. Here are a few resources for you:

"The complete Guide to Wallpapering" by David M Groff. Published by Creative Homeowner Press and in two editions

The APN or American Paperhanging Network - it's an online discussion group that has a lot of traffic - Q&A constantly and there is a searchable archive where you can look up an amazing amount of information.

The site you're on. Here on the Guild website there is a fair bit of technical info. By being a member you can access all areas of the site. Guild membership in and of itself will not teach you anything, but it does open the door to other things like an annual resource directory and:

The annual Guild conventions. It may not be held near you, but if you are serious about getting into this business, the networking and resources available there are phenomenal. You will make industry contacts that can help you and meet fellow installers who are only a phone call away. I don't live anywhere near a chapter - I am in Western Canada - but I make it a point to go to the convention each year. It has paid off in spades.

[PaperSuz]

Check out the Home Study Course I just listed. It really fills in all the techniques, tips, etc. you would get by apprenticing.

[Amy]

Thank you all for the good information. Papersuz, where did you list your home study course?