YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

What is an Apprentice?

Our Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee is composed of equal members of labor and management. The Committee oversees each apprentice’s progress and education. The apprenticeship Office/Sponsor supplies employers with highly skilled workers that apply quality roofing and waterproofing systems. Apprentices learn their craft by training on the job under proper supervision and by studying technical subjects related to the roofing trade at the training center/apprenticeship school.

Once apprentices have learned the practical and technical aspects of the work, they graduate to journeyperson status. Roofing apprenticeship programs generally run for three to five years.

How Much Will I Earn?

You earn while you learn the trade. Union Roofers and Waterproofers earn wages and fringe benefits that are negotiated on their behalf by the Union through collective bargaining with roofing contractors.

Wages vary by experience. 55% of apprentices start at $25.44 per hour plus benefits, brand new apprentices' total economic package with Fringe benefits total compensation is $36.10. Fringe benefits are outlined as follows; Health & Welfare for you and your dependents $9.40 per hour, National Roofing Industrial Pension Plan $.25 per hour, Supplemental Pension $.25 per hour, Pierce County Roofers JATC $.70 per hour, International Roofing Education Fund $.06, all paid by you your employer. For every 1,000 hrs. worked, apprentices are eligible for a pay increase. Learn more about Wage Rates HERE.

What Type of Work Will I Do?

The scope varies as there are many different types of roofing systems that you may install. At times you may install on newly constructed buildings or you may need to remove an existing roof. You will work on a variety of building types, protecting those facilities against water intrusion and ultimate damage to the structure and its contents. Roofing in the commercial and industrial sectors generally consists of Built-up or Single-ply systems. Learn more about the types of roofing we teach HERE.

What are the Day-to-Day Tasks of an Entry Level Apprentice?

At first, one should expect to move materials, which will help you learn how to identify materials, tear off of old roofs, remove roof debris from a roof, load materials, set up for safety, and do some installation.

What Should an Apprentice Expect as They Move Up In Experience?

More installation time and responsibility. As newer apprentices come in you are expected to help train them as well.

You must be 18 years of age or older

• You must pass a drug test

• You must have sufficient schooling to meet the requirements of the trade, or completion of the 10th grade

• You must be in good health and physically able

• You must have a valid driver's license in the State of Washington

How Do I Apply?

Applications are accepted year round. You must apply in person at: 3049 S 36th Street, Room 213, Tacoma, WA 98409

Can women participate?

Absolutely! Learn more about women in Roofing HERE.

What Training Agents (or Roofing Contractors) do you work with?

You can find a list of Training Agents (Roofing Contractors) we work with HERE.

Are there Any Fees included in the Application Process?

Yes, there is a $45 drug testing fee.

What is Involved in the Application Process?

At the time of application, you will need to bring cash (or money order) in the amount of $45 made out to Local 153, your driver’s license, social security card, and check stubs if you have previous experience. You will complete your application, then you will go out for drug screening. (Drug screening MUST take place the same day you apply.) We will receive your test results usually within 2-3 business days, at that time we will contact you. If the test comes back negative you will be scheduled to attend a 2-hour orientation to complete paperwork, go through your obligations as an apprentice, talk about your obligations as a Union member, and complete a roofing fundamentals activity/knowledge test. You will then be dispatched to a company. Within 30 days of initial application, you will attend a mandatory 8-hour safety class. Upon completion of this class you will be issued a Fundamentals of Safety credentials and your intake is complete.

How Much Will I Make?

• Starting Apprentice Wage for 2024 is $25.44, including $10.66 for Benefits, for a total wage of $36.10

• Journey Workers Wage for 2024 is $46.26, including $16.44 for Benefits, for a total wage of $62.70

• You can find more information about wages HERE.

What Do I need to do To Succeed?

You need to...

• Be physically capable to do the work

• Show up early every day

• Work well with others

• Be ready to learn

• Enjoy hands-on work

• Have reliable transportation

What should an apprentice expect regarding training?

The majority of training will be on the roof with their employer. The first four weeks of class (first year) are composed of Safety and Fundamentals of Roofing. 2nd and 3rd year school provides a refresher course and hands-on for each roofing system. Classes are January through April, one week each month.

Do I pay for my tuition?

Tuition cost is taken out of your payroll check (.50 cents per hour) and is deposited into a savings/tuition account at one of the two Credit Unions that we do business with, QualStar Credit Union or IBEW Credit Union. Any leftover “tuition” money is yours.

How many days a week (and what days) will an apprentice train and how often throughout the year?

Apprentices are required to attend a minimum of 364 hours of related supplemental training to complete the program, and 146 hours of RSI for every 2,000 hours worked. Classes are from January through April one week, each month, for 4 months, so apprentices may still work and earn a living.

Where is the training held?

All training will take place at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

Where do I find information about registration and the forms needed?

You can locate everything you need HERE.

Is the training at night or daytime?

Training is given during the week. Classes are 4 to 5 days a week starting at 7:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Is there regular drug testing during the program?

Yes. We are a drug-free business. There will be random drug testing.

Will an apprentice travel outside Pierce County?

Only if the project their crew is working on is outside of Pierce County. If location is a problem, you can request to work with a different crew. This will be handled through the Superintendent’s office at each contractor.

What area is covered by this apprenticeship program?

Our program’s geographical area covers Pierce, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz and Pacific Counties, and surrounding areas.

What are the benefits an apprentice can expect?

Medical insurance (Doctor, Dental, Chiropractic), one pension and a supplemental plan, ability to transfer to other programs in other states, if moving, without losing status. There are multiple Union shops to choose from. Being a Union member you are entitled to Unemployment benefits to supplement your income throughout rainy months.

How soon can I expect medical benefits?

Medical starts after your first 500 hours.

Is there a local Union?

Yes. We work very closely with Roofers Local 153, the Tacoma/Pierce County Union for Roofers. You can learn more about the Union HERE.

If an apprentice leaves the apprenticeship program will they have to pay for the education received?

They pay as they go. Money collected is not refunded for not finishing the program.

How does an apprentice go about getting their first job?

Two ways. They can apply to the Apprenticeship Program and we can dispatch them to a contractor or if they choose to, they can go to the contractor(s) themselves, apply with them, and then come sign up with the Apprenticeship Office.

Is there a required amount of time before an apprentice can Journey out?

The State of Washington requires that our roofing apprentices work at least 5,000 hours on the job and in a real-world situation. Apprentices must also attend the required 364 hours of classroom instruction. Upon completion of hours and schooling, The Pierce County Roofers Joint Apprenticeship Committee will review your progress and either advance to Journey level or recommend additional training. At the completion of the program, one receives their Journeyman’s card issued by Washington State and a completion certificate issued by Clover Park Technical College. It should take 4 years to complete the program. After completing the program, the graduate would continue honing their skills.

Are there seasons for this trade that an apprentice will be unusually busy or not working at any time?

Between the months of mid-April and October, they should expect to work 40-60 hours a week. Between October and April anywhere between 20-35 hours a week.

What items are needed for the job?

You will need boots, gloves, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, and a hard hat.

What types of tools are needed?

Tool pouch, claw hammer, nail bar, tape measure, chalk line, insulation saw, and screwdrivers.

What is a Monthly Progress Report?

You will be required to keep track of your hours and send in a Monthly Progress Report each month no later than the 5th of the month. You can download a copy of a Progress Report HERE.

Can you suspend an apprenticeship due to injury or other reasons that will not allow one to do the work?

You may request to put your apprenticeship on suspension (hold) and return when able to perform the required tasks.

What happens if I move or change my phone number?

If you move or get a new phone number you will need to fill out one of our Change of Address forms ASAP. We need to be able to contact you and send you mail, flyers, notices, etc., in a timely manner. You can download a Change of Address HERE.

What happens if an apprentice needs to move during their apprenticeship?

Depending on where they move, we can transfer all their information to the apprenticeship program they will be moving to. The new program will place them according to their experience and time in apprenticeship.

What is involved with transferring?

An apprentice can call the area where they will be moving to see where the closest local union office is as well as the apprenticeship training center. Then a transfer slip is sent as well as a transcript of courses taken. The office and program to where they move will insert them at the corresponding level. They do not lose their status.

What percentage of your apprentices are women?

About 8%. We are looking for more women to join our Trade.

What leadership opportunities are there and how do women go about getting into a leadership position?

Many! Currently, we have women foremen, safety directors, and maintenance/repair supervisors. Male or female, you just need to be involved and present. Make sure and come to class and work to learn the trade.