Roofer at Roofers & Waterproofers JATC, Cleveland Lu 44

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Roofers & Waterproofers JATC, Cleveland Lu 44 in Cleveland, OH

About This Program

The Roofers & Waterproofers JATC, Cleveland Local Union 44 offers a registered union apprenticeship for roofers in Cleveland, Ohio. Backed by one of Ohio's established roofing locals, this JATC program provides apprentices with structured, paid training that leads to journeyman status and full union membership in the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

The program runs three years and includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and industrial roofing projects throughout the Cleveland area, gaining skills in roofing system installation, waterproofing, flashing, insulation, and safety. Classroom sessions reinforce field work with instruction on materials, codes, trade math, and OSHA regulations.

Graduates of the Cleveland LU 44 JATC program achieve journeyman roofer status with access to union wages, health and welfare benefits, and pension plans. Cleveland's active construction sector creates consistent work opportunities for qualified journey-level roofers throughout 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.

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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