The apprentice works directly under the supervision of a qualified Journeyman Roofer in installing or maintaining a variety of approved roofing systems and repair work. The work is performed in existing or new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and includes waterproofing substrates and surfaces. The trade requires considerable physical effort on the part of the apprentice to do lifting, climbing, crouching, and working on elevated surfaces.

This program requires acceptance into the Independent Roofing Contractors of California Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards Apprentices. Apprentices must work a total of 4000 hours in three and one half (3 1/2) years to reach journey level status. Apprentices are required to attend related instruction classes a minimum of 144 hours per year (three 10-week Module classes per year) at one of the 10 IRCC Approved training sites.

All Apprentices start off with an hourly wage (based on the Prevailing Wage in the county the work is performed in) and in some cases fringe benefit package and the wages increase based on advancement within the program. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the graduate may be employed at the journey level by contractors, and then, by getting continuing education certification, advance through the industry or may pursue a Roofer’s Contractor license and start a company.

APRO 9795 is a work experience course that may be taken each term for the apprentice to receive credit for working.