Apprenticeship Information for Prospective Roofers

Roofing - Occupational Description (Source: HRDC Job Futures)

Roofers install, repair or replace flat roofs and shingles, shakes or other roofing tiles on sloped roofs. They are employed by roofing and general contractors, or they may be self-employed.

Example of Occupational Titles: 
apprentice roofer, asphalt roofer, built-up roofer, flat roofer, residential steep roofer, roofer, shingler, single-ply roofer

Main Duties:
* Install, repair or replace built-up roofing systems using materials such as asphalt saturated felts and hot asphalt and gravel 
* Install, repair or replace single-ply roofing system using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric or other asphaltic compositions 
* Install, repair or replace shingles, shakes and other roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings 
* Install sheet metal flashings 
* Apply waterproof coatings to concrete or other masonry surfaces below or above ground level 
* Install and repair metal roofs using hand and power tools 
* Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs 
* May estimate materials required and quote costs

Employment Requirements:
* Completion of secondary school is usually required. 
* For roofers, completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program OR Over three years of work experience in the trade are usually required to be eligible for trade certification. 
* Roofing trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. 
* Trade certification for residential steep roofers is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia. 
* Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified roofers. 

Additional Information:
* Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience. 
* Red Seal trade certification for roofers allows for interprovincial mobility. 

Roofing Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship requirements for prospective roofers are different, depending on where you live. 

Click on the province to link to its apprenticeship web site.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland
Yukon Territory
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
 

For further information, please contact:

John Hill
Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA)
1-800-461-2722

Bob White
Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers (CCSMWR)
1-866-684-7413