Roofer at Or/Sw-Wa Roofers & Waterproofers JATC
at Or/Sw-Wa Roofers & Waterproofers JATC in Portland, OR
About This Program
The OR/SW-WA Roofers & Waterproofers JATC sponsors a registered union apprenticeship for roofers in Portland, Oregon, serving the Oregon and Southwest Washington region. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it connects apprentices with union roofing contractors throughout the Pacific Northwest, offering paid training and union representation from the start.
The three-year program includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in commercial roofing installation, waterproofing, flashing, insulation, and job site safety practices. Technical classroom instruction covers roofing systems, materials, building codes, trade math, and OSHA standards, giving apprentices a well-rounded foundation in the trade.
Graduates earn journeyman roofer status and full union membership in the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers. Union journeymen in the Portland metro area benefit from collectively bargained wages, health and welfare benefits, and pension contributions, with strong construction activity across the region supporting steady demand for skilled 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.
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
Licensing in Oregon
Roofers in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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