Roofers Local 74 Apprenticeship Program
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in New York / Roofers Local 74 Apprenticeship Program
Roofers Local 74 Apprenticeship Program – Western New York
Program Information
The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local Union No. 74 offers a structured, three-year registered apprenticeship program designed to train highly skilled roofing and waterproofing professionals for Western New York. Since 1962, this apprenticeship has been jointly sponsored by labor and management at the local union level, ensuring apprentices receive industry-relevant training that directly aligns with real jobsite demands.
An apprentice is a full member of the workforce who earns wages while learning the roofing trade through a combination of supervised on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and hands-on skills development. Apprentices work directly for union signatory contractors while gaining experience in commercial roofing, waterproofing systems, safety protocols, and jobsite coordination. Training prepares apprentices to install, repair, and maintain roofing systems that protect commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings throughout the region.
The Local 74 program is approved by the New York State Department of Labor and serves Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties. Upon completion of the program, apprentices graduate to journeyperson status and earn industry-leading wages with full union benefits. The apprenticeship is designed not only to teach technical skills, but also to instill professionalism, teamwork, and a strong safety culture.
Program Length
The apprenticeship lasts three years and includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of paid on-the-job training combined with required classroom and safety instruction. Completion qualifies apprentices as journeyperson roofers and waterproofers.
Wages & Benefits
Apprentices earn competitive union wages that increase as training milestones are completed. Pay is based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate and progresses with accumulated work hours.
- Starting wages at approximately $23.37 per hour
- Progressive wage increases up to $35.96 per hour at journeyperson level
- Paid, full-time employment throughout the program
- Health insurance, pension, and supplemental benefit funds
- Strong job security through union contractor partnerships
Health & Safety Training
Safety is a core focus of the Local 74 apprenticeship. Apprentices receive extensive training using nationally recognized materials from the Roofers & Waterproofers Research and Education Trust Fund. Instruction covers fall protection, PPE, electrical safety, ladder and scaffold safety, heat illness prevention, confined spaces, powered equipment, material handling, weather hazards, and leadership-based safety practices.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Physically capable of performing demanding outdoor work
- Ability to work at heights and in varying weather conditions
- Commitment to safety, attendance, and skill development
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions
Application Process
Applicants should submit apprenticeship applications by email. Enrollment is subject to availability and program capacity.
Career Outcomes
Graduates become journeyperson roofers and waterproofers qualified to work on high-value commercial and institutional projects throughout Western New York. Local 74 members benefit from stable employment, strong wages, union protections, and advancement opportunities into foreman and leadership roles.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Roofers Local 74 Apprenticeship 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.