Do you like working outside? Do you get along well with others? Are you in good shape and interested in working in high places? Then, you could become a Roofer!
What do I do?
Roofers prepare and apply protective coverings to flat and sloped roof surfaces in residential, commercial and industrial structures in accordance with blueprints and specifications from clients.
How do I advance?
Most Roofers are employed by roofing contractors on construction or repair jobs. Some Roofers are members of unions and work from union halls.
Roofers may advance to supervisory positions or become contractors themselves.
With additional apprenticeship training, you can transfer your skills to other construction occupations like Carpenter or Sheet Metal Worker.
The outlook for Roofers in Alberta is bright. Construction projects throughout Alberta are on the rise.
How much do I make?
Apprentice Roofers earn at least 65% of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of their apprenticeship, 75% in the second, 85% in the third year and 90% in the fourth year. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $18.79 to as high as $25.79 an hour, gross wage (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage survey by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
When the weather is good and building activity is high, Roofers may work considerable overtime.
Many Pitched Roof Applicators are paid according to the quantity of work completed, not the number of hours worked.
Where do I go from here?
As a skilled Roofer, youÕll have the opportunity to get work that pays well. You can also upgrade your skills and perhaps move into higher level positions.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Building Construction CON1070 or Roof Structures 1 CON2050. See your school counsellor for more information.
Roofers acquire their skills through apprenticeship training.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Roofer apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, applicants must have at least Grade 9 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four years (three 12-month periods with a minimum of 1420 hours of employment each year and one 12-month period with a minimum of 1600 hours of employment). In addition to on-the-job training, the term requires six weeks of classroom training for each of the first three years. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, and is currently provided at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass an interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
