Opening the doors to skilled-trade careers

By Emma Richardson.  

The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia provides certification opportunities to young professionals. 

Fostering the next generation of professionals is an indispensable part of the skilled-trade industry, particularly when it comes to roofing. Many young professionals may be interested in a trade career but unsure where to start or how to gain the necessary qualifications. The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) supports the future of the trades by offering apprenticeship training across three competencies: roofing, architectural sheet metal working and residential steep roofing.  

The roofing apprenticeship program is designed to take approximately three years and includes 15 weeks of technical training and 4,950 hours of work-based training. Apprentices can expect to learn how to install and repair a wide variety of roofing systems including single ply, shingles, shakes and more. The curriculum also covers sheet metal flashing, waterproof coatings to masonry surfaces, setting up scaffolding and estimating materials and quotes. At the end of the program, apprentices who have achieved 70% or higher on the technical training and the Interprovincial Red Seal Examination will receive a Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal Endorsement.  

In a separate training program, Skill Trades BC offers a residential steep roofing apprenticeship. To accommodate the different needs for residential steep roofing, the program includes six weeks of technical training and 2,400 hours of work-based training. Apprentices will learn how to read blueprints and interpret building codes, how to measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials on site. The course also covers installing gutters, flat roofing and steep roofing materials. 

Lastly, Skilled Trades BC also offers an architectural sheet metal certification program. Similar to the roofing apprenticeship, the sheet metal program is 18 weeks of technical training and 4,800 work-based training hours spread over the course of three years. Students will learn how to use tools, scaffolds, ladders and platforms. They will also cover fasteners, sealants, metal installation, repair and more.  

For all three disciplines, Skilled Trades BC also offers a challenge program that allows working professionals to receive their certification without completing the entire training course. If an applicant has enough documented work hours, they may be eligible to take the certification exam and obtain their qualifications without passing through the entire educational program. If an applicant does not have sufficient working hours, they may be eligible to take a level exam and enter the program at the appropriate level.  

Visit the RCABC website to learn more about apprenticeship programs.