Roofer at Oregon Columbia Roofers JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Oregon Columbia Roofers JATC in Portland, OR

About This Program

Oregon Columbia Roofers JATC offers a registered union Roofer apprenticeship based in Portland, Oregon. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program provides structured, paid training for individuals entering the roofing trade under the sponsorship of union contractors operating in the Portland area and broader Oregon Columbia region.

Apprentices work through a three-year program comprising 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Field training covers commercial roofing installation, waterproofing, flashing, insulation systems, membrane roofing, and job site safety. Classroom instruction addresses roofing materials, building codes, blueprint reading, trade calculations, and OSHA compliance, equipping apprentices with the technical knowledge to support their field work.

Graduates earn journeyman roofer credentials and union membership, gaining access to union wage scales, health benefits, and retirement programs. Portland's active commercial construction market provides strong long-term employment prospects for journey-level union roofers completing this program.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$22

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

4,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

432

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

3 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration3 years
Starting wage$14.00/hr
Journeyman wage$22.34/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.