Roofer at Cedar Rapids Area Roofers JATC Local Union 182
at Cedar Rapids Area Roofers JATC Local Union 182 in Cedar Rapids, IA
About This Program
Cedar Rapids Area Roofers JATC Local Union 182 sponsors a registered union Roofer Apprenticeship in Cedar Rapids, IA. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, this apprenticeship provides union-backed training with structured wage progression and access to union benefits throughout the three-year program.
The program includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and residential roofing projects in the Cedar Rapids area, developing skills in built-up roofing, single-ply membrane systems, modified bitumen, and waterproofing. Classroom instruction covers safety regulations, roofing materials, codes, and hands-on trade knowledge reinforced through lab exercises.
Upon graduation, apprentices earn journey-level union status with Local 182, qualifying them for union-scale wages and benefits with signatory employers. Cedar Rapids' ongoing commercial and industrial development provides a strong local job market for qualified journey-level roofers.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$22
OJT Hours
4,000
RTI Hours
432
Duration
3 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
Roofer Career Outlook
National Median
$22.34/hr
~$46,467.2/yr
Apprentice Start
$14/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Roofer employment is projected to grow, driven by ongoing roof replacement needs and new construction. Severe weather events and aging building stock create consistent demand for roof repair and replacement. Commercial roofing, particularly energy-efficient and green roof systems, is a growing specialization.
What to Expect as a Roofer Apprentice
Duration
3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~27 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (4,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
432 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Roofer
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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