By Emma Peterson. 

The roofing trade provides youth with job security, hands-on work, strong compensation and opportunities for lifelong learning. 

In an article for CBC News, Jenna Benchetrit wrote, “Young people tend to be the first and hardest hit when economic conditions are weak. In the years since the pandemic, inflation has surged, elevating the cost of living. Population growth has also ballooned — especially among the student-aged cohort — outpacing the number of available jobs.” The result? Record levels of unemployment for young people. But not all hope is lost for youth looking to start a career. There are still fields looking for skilled workers – fields like the roofing trade. 

When most people think about roofing, they think about low-paid labourers hauling materials on the roof. And while the job certainly is physical, it is far more rewarding (and comes with a much higher salary) than that image might lead people to believe. 

The truth is, a roofing career is... 

• High demand: Looking for job security? The trades are always needed, especially in provinces like Novia Scotia where urbanization and development are creating high demand for more professionals.  
• Engaging: In roofing, you are constantly learning and every day presents a new challenge. From reading blueprints and calculating material costs to mastering technical skills and developing your understanding of thermal dynamics, roofing is more than just grunt work – it's a highly skilled job that protects millions of dollars of property and human lives.   
• Well-paid: There’s a misconception that the trades provide less stable income than other fields. However, the Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia (RCANS) reports that there are “paid apprenticeship programs available immediately, Journeypersons typically make $21 - $32/hr and top pros earn $80k+.”  
• Hard work: Roofing is hard work. Tradespeople are expected to be physical activity, precise and have an aptitude for teamwork. Workdays also often run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on the project). 
• Long-term: All that hard work pays off though. Roofing offers great pathways for advancement through training opportunities. It also provides retirement savings plans, insurance packages and pension options.  
• More than just a job: And more than anything, roofing is rewarding. RCANS put it best, “As a professional roofer, you contribute to the building and maintenance of the hospitals, schools and businesses that keep our province running.” 

Learn more about the roofing trade and get your career started today!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia continues a decades-long commitment to workmanship, safety and training across the province’s commercial roofing industry. 

For more than six decades, the Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia (RCANS) has worked to strengthen the province’s industrial, commercial and institutional roofing sector through professional workmanship, safety and integrity. The association’s roots reach back approximately 60 years, when a small group of Halifax roofing contractors saw a need to define and promote high-quality commercial roofing workmanship. Under the leadership of the late Douglas Fraser, operator of Tasco Roofing, the contractors met monthly to develop bylaws and membership criteria that continue to guide the organization. 

That effort took shape alongside the development of the Canadian Roofing Contractors’ Association (CRCA), which formed in 1960. Nova Scotia roofers joined CRCA as an affiliate member in 1964, followed by the official registration of RCANS in 1965. 

Today, RCANS continues to focus on three core areas: workmanship, safety and education. Through its affiliation with CRCA, the association works to keep members informed about technical advancements and national standards. RCANS also works with the Department of Labour and the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association (NSCSA), with members following provincial fall arrest regulations. 

Developing the next generation of roofing professionals is another priority. RCANS promotes apprenticeship training and professional development to help maintain a supply of Red Seal-certified roofers in Nova Scotia. 

The association is led by industry professionals who volunteer their time to advance the roofing trade. Through its leadership, training efforts and industry partnerships, RCANS remains focused on supporting professional roofing throughout Nova Scotia. 

Learn more about the Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia and its work supporting the province’s roofing industry at RCANS!