FAQ

2What is the scope of work?

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 before installing the new system.

What are the day to day tasks as an entry level apprentice?

At first one should expect to move materials, which helps one learn how to ID materials, tear off of old roofs, remove roof debris from roof, loading materials, setting up safety and 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.

What is the entry level wage?

As of now (July 2021) $22.46 no experience needed. 

What is the Journey level wage?

As of July 1st of 2021 it is $37.43

Where on the internet can the wages be found?

http://www.roofersunionlocal49.com/

What is the application process?

Apply in person, take and interview, pass a UA, attend a two day orientation and then you will be dispatched to a contractor.

What are the requirements to apply?

18 yrs. of age, picture ID and at least one of the following: HS Diploma (OR High School equivilent), GED or NCRC – Bronze level

What is the interview process and what should an applicant expect?

Painless. We want to know what you expect of this program, what attitude you have for work and learning, what your goals are and what you think you can add to the program, can you show up on time to an appointment. Be prepared for the interview and dress the part.

Are there any fees associated with applying for apprenticeship?

No Application fees.

What are the fees once a person signs the books to become an apprentice (what is taken out of the pay check?)

An apprentice will pay $2000 for the four years of the program which comes to $500 a year. $20 is payed for every week that you work.

What are the union dues an apprentice should expect?

You will pay $1 an hour for your first 600 hours. This is initiation dues to be in the union. From there you will pay $25 a month for Union dues. The Union Local 49 site will have this information in greater detail.

Will the apprentice need to purchase books or tools for their apprenticeship training?

Apprentices will only need to purchase their own tools for work. These should be brought to class for all hands on training. All classroom materials will be provided by the Training Center.

What should they expect in regards to training?

The majority of their training will be on the roof with their employer. The first four weeks of class (first year) is comprised of theory classes. Basically training in the classroom. The last three years is a combination of classroom and mostly hands on training.

How many days a week (and what days) will they be at training and how often throughout the year?

Apprentices are required to attend 600 hours of related training. That is four weeks of class every year between October and May. Classes are not back to back weeks. Apprentices choose dates they want to attend depending on availability.

Where is the training held?

All training takes place at our training center located at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland OR 97202.

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 – 4 pm.

Will they need to travel outside of the Portland Metro area as an apprentice?

Only if the project their crew is working on is out of town and one agrees to work out of town. If not you may request to stay in town and work with a different crew. This will be handled through the Superintendents office at each of the contractors.

What area is covered by this apprenticeship program?

Most of Oregon except for the NE counties (Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa). Skamania and Clark counties in WA. Apprentices, however can work anywhere.

Will having a legal history impede an applicant from getting work as an apprentice?

NO

What are the benefits an apprentice can expect from this union?

Medical insurance (Dr., Dental, Chiropractic), two pensions and a supplemental plan, ability to transfer to other programs in other states, if moving, without losing status. Multiple shops to work for in the Portland area. College credit for courses taken.

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. 

Is there a required amount of time they must be a journeyman after they journey out? (Scholarship loan agreement?)

At graduation/completion of the program, one receives their Journeyman’s card and completion certificate. It should only take 4 years to complete the program. After completing the program, the graduate would continue honing their skills. At this point there is no Education Loan Agreement.

How does an apprentice go about getting their first job?

Two ways. They can apply to the apprenticeship 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 school. However, if they are hired by the contractor first and work, none of those hours worked count towards their apprenticeship.

Are they required to get called off a list or can they drum up their own work?

When signing up for the Union they will be joining a close door union which means that they will work for Union shops and that the union will help them find work. Once assigned to a contractor, that is one would report to work unless one decides to switch contractors.

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

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

What happens if a woman becomes pregnant or injured during her apprenticeship?

If injured on the job her employer will work with workers comp until she can return to light duty or regular work. If pregnant she can work until advised not to and can return at a later date.

Can she put it on hold and pick it back up?

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

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 they will attend will place them according to their experience and time in apprenticeship.

What is involved with transferring?

Both Union and Apprenticeship 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 4%. We are looking for more women to join our Trade. In June we hold a Hands On Wprkshop just for women so you can come and see what the trade is about and speak to some of our female apprentices and Journeymen.

If an applicant ranks low how soon can they re-apply and what is the process?

Normally we do not have a waiting pool. One would only need to re-apply if they choose to be removed from the applicant list and then return. They would have to follow the same process as before.

Is there a waiting period?

The only waiting may be waiting for a Basic Skills class. That would only be about two weeks max.

What leadership opportunities are there in this local and how do women go about getting into a leadership positions?

Many! Currently we have women foreman, safety directors, maintenance/repair supervisors. Also shops need stewards to represent them at Union meetings. Male or female, you just need to be involved and present. Make sure and come to class and work to learn the trade, get to know your Union reps and have a goal.