$28 - $40
Average hourly wage
Next information session
Overview
Learn how to prepare and apply protective coverings to flat and sloped roof surfaces in accordance with construction plans and specifications.
If you want a career where you are physically active, working with your hands and being outdoors, you'll enjoy working as a roofer. Roofers will work on flat roofs (primarily commercial and industrial buildings) and sloped residential roofs.
For flat roofs, you will use a variety of substances and systems which include conventional roof systems (hot-applied asphalt), elastomeric roof membrane systems (rubber-like properties), thermoplastic roof membrane systems and modified bitumen roof membrane system (asphalt and plastic).
For sloped residential roofs, you'll work with shingles made of asphalt or fibreglass, concrete, clay, rubber, slate, wood shakes or metal. You'll apply membranes, fibreglass or felt over parts of the surface before applying shingles, nail shingles in overlapping rows, cement or nail flashing over the joints around vent pipes or chimney and cover exposed nail heads with cement to prevent rust and water leakage.
As a roofer, you may also inspect problem roofs to determine the best procedures for repairing them, estimate materials required and quote costs, repair older roofs, waterproof roofs, basements, foundations, plaza decks or parkades, install green/vegetated roof components and incorporate new future roofing technology (for example, conventional and non-conventional solar roofing technology).
This is a non-compulsory trade – individuals can work in the trade without certification if the employer deems the individual to have the skills of a journeyperson. However, individuals who are working in the trade and learning the trade must become a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the roofing trade:
- good eye-hand coordination, strength and stamina to carry heavy materials
- be sure-footed and able to work at heights
- be partial to working outdoors
- the ability to work as a part of a team
- a commitment to safe working conditions
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Roofers are a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice.
As a roofer, you will be employed by roofing contractors on construction or repair jobs. You will work outside in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Roofers also have the security of steady employment as there is always a demand for repair work, even when construction activity slows. You will be required to work at various building heights, so you will need to be comfortable with heights.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to positions such as technical marketing, inspection and supervisory roles. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
4
Periods of training
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $805.94
Year 2: $805.94
Year 3: $805.94
Year 4: $805.94
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
The program requirements are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
When can you apply?
- Registration for apprenticeship intakes opens August 2020
Admission and completion
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance Requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended Path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
How to register
Registration for technical training is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Apprentices in the roofing trade will spend 4 years (four 12-month periods) of on-the-job training and technical training at SAIT. Technical training will be 6 weeks each year.
| Find an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice |
| Apply as an apprentice with AIT and your employer |
| Sign contract and receive record book |
| Written entrance examination or get approved for previous transcripts |
| Complete first period of on-the-job-training (1600 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend first period of technical training for 6 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass first period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Complete second period of on-the-job training (1600 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend second period of technical training for 6 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass second period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Complete third period of on-the-job training (1600 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend third period of technical training for 6 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass third period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Complete fourth period of on-the-job training (1600 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend fourth period of technical training for 6 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass fourth period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Become a Journeyperson |
| Write and pass the Interprovincial Qualification Exam |
Technical Training Performance
To be successful in technical training, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each Trade Qualification Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Lab & Material Fee | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $630 | $50 | $53.94 | $72 | $805.94 |
| 2 | $630 | $50 | $53.94 | $72 | $805.94 |
| 3 | $630 | $50 | $53.94 | $72 | $805.94 |
| 4 | $630 | $50 | $53.94 | $72 | $805.94 |
SAIT Fees
Lab and material fee: $72.00
Student support fee: $25.00
Student technology fee: $25.00
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Wellness centre
Membership to the SAIT Wellness centre - including an ice arena, swimming/diving pool, gymnasium, squash and racquetteball courts and eight room is available to apprentices at a discounted rate.
Financial planning tool
Our apprenticeship cost calculator can help you make a financial plan by identifying and adding up your expected expenses while attending SAIT — find out exactly how much money you need to save, seek or borrow to get you through your studies.