Roofers & Waterproofers Local 44 Apprenticeship Program – Cleveland
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Ohio / Roofers & Waterproofers Local 44 Apprenticeship Program – Cleveland
Roofers & Waterproofers Local 44 Apprenticeship Program – Cleveland, OH
Program Information
Roofers and Waterproofers Local 44 offers a high-quality, U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship program designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in the roofing and waterproofing industry. This program is ideal for individuals with little to no prior roofing experience who are motivated to learn a skilled trade through structured training, real-world jobsite experience, and classroom education.
The Local 44 apprenticeship program blends supervised on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction, ensuring apprentices develop both practical skills and technical knowledge. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen on active job sites, learning how to safely and efficiently install, repair, and maintain a wide range of roofing and waterproofing systems used on commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
Training covers core competencies such as roofing system installation, waterproofing techniques, jobsite safety, material handling, and industry best practices. Apprentices also receive ongoing professional development that prepares them for increasing responsibility as they progress through the program. Upon successful completion, apprentices graduate as journeyman roofers and waterproofers, fully qualified to work independently in the trade and eligible for advanced career opportunities within union signatory contractors.
Local 44 members benefit from strong union representation, consistent work opportunities, and access to healthcare and retirement benefits that significantly enhance overall compensation. The program is designed not only to teach technical skills, but also to promote job stability, craftsmanship, and long-term career growth in a high-demand construction sector.
Program Length
- 4-year registered apprenticeship program
- Minimum of 4,800 hours of paid on-the-job training
- 576 hours of required classroom instruction
- Training completed while employed with a Local 44 signatory contractor
Hands-On Training & Skills Learned
- Commercial and industrial roofing system installation
- Waterproofing foundations, decks, and structural surfaces
- Material handling and equipment use
- Jobsite safety procedures and fall protection
- Team-based work with experienced journeymen
- Industry standards and quality workmanship practices
Wages & Benefits
Apprentices earn competitive wages while learning the trade, with regular wage increases as they advance through the program and complete required milestones. In addition to hourly pay, apprentices and journeymen receive a comprehensive union benefits package.
- Earn while you learn with progressive wage increases
- Health and welfare benefits, including medical coverage
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Long-term job security through union signatory contractors
Eligibility & Application Process
- Must be at least 18 years old (17 if enrolled in a trade school)
- Physically capable of performing roofing and waterproofing work
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Prospective apprentices must first complete 300 hours of work with a Local 44 signatory contractor before becoming eligible for the registered apprenticeship. Applicants must then submit an apprenticeship application packet along with an Intent to Hire form signed by an approved employer.
Application packets can be obtained by contacting the JATC Director directly or by submitting a request through the Local 44 website.
Career Outlook
- Journeyman status upon completion
- Opportunities for advancement into lead, foreman, or supervisory roles
- Stable employment in a high-demand construction trade
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Roofers & Waterproofers Local 44 Apprenticeship Program – Cleveland 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.