High school students should take construction courses that focus on construction math, and building shop and trade courses. Knowledge of materials, surface types and tools are relevant to on-the-job training required of apprentices.

Completion of high school classes does not count for hours in the Local 96 apprenticeship program, but the experience and classes taken are valuable in building a student’s skill set.

A two-year diploma is not required to qualify for an apprenticeship with Local 96, nor will it qualify for credit through the apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship applications are accepted year-round. Local 96 will refer apprenticeship candidates to union roofing and waterproofing companies across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Find contractors in your area.

Roofer and waterproofer apprenticeships typically last three-to-four years where apprentices are paid to receive both on-the-job practical training and classroom instruction. Apprentices will complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of hands-on, classroom training hours per year. Tuition costs for books and materials is approximately $1,500 per year.

There is no required aptitude test for candidates. Call Local 96 at 763-230-7675 to apply and interview today.

When an apprentice can demonstrate competence in vital skills, the apprenticeship will be complete. Roofer and waterproofer apprentices will graduate as a journey-level construction trades workers.

Manual dexterity, stamina; ability to work on one’s feet all day. Roofers and waterproofers need to be unafraid of heights, possess excellent balance skills and physical strength. Being able to calmly react to other’s actions and preform work in a variety of weather conditions is important for success on the job. For high school students preparing to become a roofer or waterproofer, consider part-time jobs that require hands-on work or where work is preformed outdoors, to build experience.

Military members applying for a roofer or waterproofer apprenticeship with relevant construction-related experience will not receive training hours or credit for past work. However, Veterans Affairs can grant apprentices with a military background up to $1,000 every six months to offset tuition costs.