Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Illinois / Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program
Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program – Indian Head Park, IL
Program Information
The Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program is a long-standing, union-sponsored apprenticeship that prepares individuals for careers as professional roofers and waterproofers across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Established in 1945 and jointly sponsored by labor and management at the local union level, the program exists to supply a highly skilled workforce capable of installing complex roofing and waterproofing systems that protect commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
This is a U.S. Department of Labor–approved Registered Apprenticeship and is also approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing eligible veterans to use VA education benefits while completing their training. Apprentices are full members of the workforce from day one, earning industry-leading wages and union benefits while completing a structured combination of supervised on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and hands-on technical education.
The apprenticeship is administered in partnership with Roofers Local #11, the largest roofing union in the United States, representing more than 2,200 skilled craftspeople. Apprentices train with over 135 union signatory contractors, many of which are members of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association, the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Job opportunities span a wide geographic area including Chicago, Joliet, Kankakee, Rockford, Aurora, and surrounding regions.
Training covers the full scope of the roofing and waterproofing trade. Apprentices learn to install and maintain built-up roofing systems, single-ply membranes, shingles, tile, and slate roofing. Waterproofing instruction includes foundations, plaza decks, traffic coatings, tanks, ponds, and modern green roofing systems. Because every project and jobsite is different, apprentices gain broad experience working outdoors, at heights, and in constantly changing environments.
Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices graduate as journeyman roofers and waterproofers, fully qualified to perform all aspects of the trade. Graduates earn top industry wages, enjoy strong job security, and have opportunities to advance into foreman, supervisory, or specialized roles within union signatory companies.
Program Length
- 5-year registered apprenticeship program
- 5,500 hours of paid on-the-job training
- Required classroom instruction and hands-on training throughout the program
- All classes are mandatory and must be completed for graduation
Hands-On Training
Apprentices gain real-world experience in:
- Hot and cold built-up roofing systems
- Single-ply roofing membrane installation
- Shingle, tile, and slate roofing
- Waterproofing foundations, decks, tanks, and traffic coatings
- Green and environmentally friendly roofing systems
- Jobsite safety, teamwork, and proper use of tools and PPE
Wages & Benefits
Apprentices are paid full union wages while working and receive annual raises as they progress through the program. Wages increase based on hours worked and successful completion of required classroom instruction.
- 1st Year Apprentice: $27.63/hour (55% of journeyman rate)
- 2nd Year Apprentice: $30.15/hour (60%)
- 3rd Year Apprentice: $32.66/hour (65%)
- 4th Year Apprentice: $35.17/hour (70%)
- 5th Year Apprentice: $40.20/hour (80%)
- Journeyman Rate: $50.25/hour
- Total compensation package (wages + benefits): approximately $80.22/hour
The Local #11 benefit package includes Health & Welfare coverage, pension contributions, retirement and supplemental plans, apprenticeship and training funds, and industry advancement and research support.
Program Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding work at heights and outdoors
- Commitment to safety standards, attendance, and classroom participation
- Willingness to learn and work as part of a team
- Compliance with union and apprenticeship policies
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- U.S. Department of Labor–approved journeyman certification
- VA education benefits eligibility for qualified veterans
- Career paths include journeyman roofer, waterproofer, foreman, and supervisory roles
- Long-term employment opportunities with union signatory contractors
Location
Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program
7045 Joliet Road
Indian Head Park, IL 60525
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Roofing.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.