Roofer Job Qualifications - Roofer Application

Some roofers train through 3-year apprenticeship programs administered by local union-management committees representing roofing contractors and locals of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers.  The apprenticeship program generally consists of a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training annually, plus a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction a year in subjects such as tools and their use, arithmetic, and safety.  On-the-job training for apprentices is similar to that for helpers, except that the apprenticeship program is more structured.  Apprentices also learn to dampproof and waterproof walls. 

Good physical condition and good balance are essential for roofers, along with no fear of heights.  A high school education, or its equivalent, is helpful, as are courses in mechanical drawing and basic mathematics.  Most apprentices must be at least 18 years old.  Experience with metal-working is helpful for workers who install metal roofing. 

Roofers may advance to supervisor or estimator for a roofing contractor, or become contractors themselves.