Roofer at Roofers JATC Local Union 142
at Roofers JATC Local Union 142 in Ankeny, IA
About This Program
Roofers JATC Local Union 142 sponsors a registered union Roofer Apprenticeship in Ankeny, IA. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program gives apprentices access to union wages, structured on-the-job training, and classroom education backed by Local 142 in the Des Moines metro area.
The three-year program combines 4,000 hours of on-the-job training with 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on commercial and residential projects, mastering installation and repair of roofing systems including shingles, single-ply membranes, and built-up roofing. Technical classes cover roofing codes, safety standards, waterproofing applications, and material science.
Completing the apprenticeship qualifies graduates as journey-level union roofers, earning union-scale wages and benefits through signatory contractors. The growing Ankeny and Des Moines metro region offers a healthy construction market that regularly demands skilled roofing professionals.
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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