Roofer at (Pitts) Roofers Local 37 JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at (Pitts) Roofers Local 37 JATC in Pittsburgh, PA

About This Program

Roofers Local 37 JATC offers a registered union apprenticeship for roofers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Administered by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee affiliated with Local 37, this program provides apprentices with paid, structured training through union contractor partners across the Pittsburgh area. Apprentices earn wages throughout the full three-year program.

The program consists of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Working alongside experienced journeymen, apprentices learn commercial and industrial roofing installation, waterproofing, flashing, insulation, and safety practices. Classroom instruction covers roofing systems and materials, building codes, trade math, and OSHA regulations, reinforcing the skills developed on the job site.

Graduates of the Roofers Local 37 JATC program earn journeyman status and union membership, unlocking access to collectively bargained wages, health benefits, and pension contributions. Pittsburgh's ongoing commercial construction and renovation activity creates reliable demand for skilled union roofers in the region.

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.

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

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

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