Roofer at United Union of Roofers Local 221 Training Program

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at United Union of Roofers Local 221 Training Program in Honolulu, HI

About This Program

The United Union of Roofers Local 221 Training Program offers a registered union Roofer Apprenticeship in Honolulu, HI. Backed by a JATC structure, this program provides apprentices with union-supported training, wages, and benefits as they develop the skills needed for a career in Hawaii's roofing trade.

The program is three years in length, combining 4,000 hours of on-the-job training with 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on real projects throughout the Honolulu area, learning to install, repair, and maintain roofing systems appropriate for Hawaii's tropical climate, including single-ply membranes, modified bitumen, and tile systems. Classroom instruction covers safety, roofing materials, waterproofing, and applicable building codes.

Graduates earn journey-level union status upon completion, giving them access to union-scale wages and benefits with signatory contractors. Hawaii's active construction market and climate-driven roof maintenance needs provide strong ongoing employment opportunities for qualified journey-level roofers.

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 Hawaii

Roofers in Hawaii are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Contractors License Board.

View full Hawaiilicensing requirements →

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