Roofer at Wheeling Area Roofers
at Wheeling Area Roofers in Wheeling, WV
About This Program
Wheeling Area Roofers sponsors this registered Roofer Apprenticeship program located in Wheeling, WV. This non-union, employer-sponsored program offers a paid entry point into the roofing trade for individuals in the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia. Apprentices earn wages from the beginning of training as they build real-world skills on active job sites.
The program spans 3 years and includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install and maintain a range of roofing systems — including shingles, flat roofs, single-ply membranes, and waterproofing materials — while working under experienced professionals. Classroom instruction covers roofing materials, safety standards, building codes, and proper installation methods.
Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates are qualified to work as journey-level roofers in residential and commercial construction. The roofing trade offers consistent work, tangible results, and a skill set that remains in demand across the region's construction market.
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.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Roofer
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in West Virginia
Roofers in West Virginia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by West Virginia Division of Labor – Contractor Licensing.
View full West Virginialicensing requirements →Reviews
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