Roofing Apprenticeship (RWUL96)

Apprenticeship programs sponsored jointly by labor and management on the local union level. We supply employers with highly skilled workers who apply the quality roofing and waterproofing systems that keep America’s buildings dry. Apprentices learn their craft by training on the job under proper supervision and by studying technical subjects related to the roofing trade.

Training includes both classroom and hands-on instruction.

Topics for training include:
Phase 1: Safety and Intro to Single Ply Systems
Phase 2: Single Ply and Intro to Steep Slope Roofing
Phase 3: Hot-Tar , Torch Down Systems, and Blue Print Reading

What Type of Work Will I Do?

Union Roofers and Waterproofers work on a variety of types of buildings, protecting those facilities against water intrusion and ultimate damage to the structure and its contents. Roofing in the commercial and industrial sector is generally of the built-up type or the single-ply category. In built-up roofing, layers or plies of felt are set in hot bitumen over insulation boards to form a waterproof membrane. An aggregate may be embedded in a final bitumen coat to protect the membrane from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun and other environmental hazards.

Single-ply roofing encompasses all of the newer plastic, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), rubber (EPDM) and other elastoplastic type membranes that have their seams welded by solvent or hot air or glued with contact adhesive to form a monolithic waterproofing membrane. These systems may have a stone or rock or paver block ballast installed over them or they may partially or totally adhere to the substrate. These systems are also installed over roof insulation boards.

A separate category of roofing is the modified bitumen system that may be applied with hot bitumen or torched-on with high-intensity propane burners.

Waterproofing is a specialty aspect of the roofing trade but is no less important than a roof in protecting a building against moisture intrusion. Waterproofing can be below grade, which is usually foundation work. It can also be done on plaza decks, parking garage floors, and other sections of a building where water or moisture protection is crucial. Materials used in waterproofing are generally of the same type used in roofing, although there are many specialty application materials that may be specified for this type of work.

Journey Level Courses

Continuing education classes are also available to our journey-level members.

Roofers Local 96 offers its journey-level courses and certification in OSHA 10, Asbestos certification and renewal, First-Aid, Foreman Training, and Crane Operation.

There is definitely plenty of work to be done and money to be made in the roofing industry. If you are good with your hands, enjoy working outdoors and the challenges of our trade, then the roofing industry just might be what you’re looking for!

Your benefits as a union member can include Health and Welfare to protect you and your loved ones when you’re sick or injured, a Pension to provide for you when your roofing career is over, Dental benefits, Vision programs, Savings Account and Annuities.

Browse through this website and discover just what the Roofers Union is all about. Check out our Apprenticeship page and Union Info page for more detailed information about roofing careers and apprenticeship programs.

Do something for yourself, your future and your pocketbook…consider a career in roofing as a member of The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.