Roofing Apprentice - FT
Belvidere, Illinois•Full-time
$20 hourly
$20 hourly
About the Job
Your career in the trades starts here — and it starts with something extraordinary.
Most apprentices learn on cookie-cutter subdivisions and asphalt shingles. At Renaissance Historic Exteriors, your very first projects will introduce you to natural slate, copper, clay tile, and the steep-slope systems found on landmark buildings. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with master craftsmen who've spent decades perfecting techniques that can't be found on YouTube — and they're invested in teaching you.
This is an entry-level role, but it is the on-ramp to a lifelong specialty career. Roofers who learn historic systems are rare, in high demand, and command wages well above the industry average. We promote from within — our foremen and crew leads started exactly where you're starting.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN & DO:
- Work hands-on with natural slate, clay & concrete tile, and architectural copper — materials found on the most significant buildings in America.
- Learn proper steep-slope techniques, historic fastening methods, and traditional flashing details from experienced journeyman roofers.
- Set up scaffolding, ladders, and fall-protection systems to OSHA standards — safety is a core discipline here, not an afterthought.
- Assist with selective tear-offs, deck preparation, and underlayment on historic restoration projects.
- Maintain clean, organized job sites — a mark of professionalism that carries through your entire career.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
- Work ethic and reliability above all else — show up, pay attention, give full effort.
- Physical ability to work at heights (30+ ft), lift 50–80 lbs, and perform sustained outdoor labor in all seasons.
- Willingness to travel with the crew to Midwest project sites.
- A genuine desire to learn a skilled trade and build a career, not just collect a paycheck.
- 1+ year of roofing or construction experience preferred; not required if you come with the right attitude.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- $20/hr starting — increases as skills and responsibilities grow.
- Paid, structured on-the-job training alongside master craftsmen.
- Clear advancement path: Apprentice → Journeyman → Crew Lead → Foreman.
- Health insurance after eligibility period.
- Paid holidays and PTO.
- All PPE and safety equipment provided.
- Year-round work — we are not a seasonal operation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily outdoors on residential and commercial job sites. Employees are regularly exposed to varying weather conditions, heights, and construction hazards. Strict adherence to all safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all times.
About Renaissance Historic Exteriors
Renaissance is a nationally recognized commercial and residential historical restoration company, specializing in traditional exterior historical building systems. Our craftsman work on roofing systems, structural and finish carpentry, masonry, architectural sheet metal and other historical systems not commonly found in current construction methods. Our clients include State Capitols, Churches, Universities, Libraries, Private Estates and properties of all types on the National Register of Historical Places. We have been awarded numerous local and national awards for our efforts. We have an industry leading safety program to protect our team members.