In almost all cases, roofers either learn
their trade from other workers or through three-year apprenticeship
programs connected with schools or unions. Though online roofing
programs are not generally available in the U.S., students with a desire
to learn the construction trade online can engage in online programs
for construction management.
How to Choose a Roofing Apprenticeship or Construction Program
There are few or no online training programs for roofers, with the
vast majority of educational opportunities coming from hands-on
apprenticeships. There are, however, online programs available for
construction
management
that deal with theoretical aspects of roofing and other elements of
building. Programs do not generally prepare students without a
background in construction to begin working in the field, but they can
offer additional depth of knowledge in planning and supervision to those
already familiar with hands-on techniques. Students who wish to pursue
roofing in particular or learn practical techniques must usually learn
by means of an apprenticeship without online components.
School-Based Vs. Union-Based Roofing Apprenticeships
Like many building professions, roofing is primarily learned through
hands-on experience as an apprentice. Students generally initiate these
apprenticeships through a school with a roofing program or directly with
a local roofers' union. In many instances, unions will arrange
coursework for students to complete as part of their apprenticeship;
conversely, many school-based programs will work with local unions to
coordinate apprenticeships. Students looking to work with a union might
choose to look up nearest builders' associations or the local chapter of
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers.
List of Online Construction Programs
Roofing Apprenticeship
These programs are not available online, requiring as much 5,500
hours of on-the-job training. Some programs include approximately 144
hours of in-classroom training , which may or may not be available
online, depending upon the school. Most apprenticeships are paid, with
some unions giving student incremental raises in line with the
completion of coursework or other milestones.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that those seeking to
enter the field of construction management need a minimum of a
bachelor's degree (
www.bls.gov). Bachelor's programs in
construction management are rare and offered predominantly by for-profit
institutions. Online programs deliver instruction through e-mail,
streaming video and online discussion.
Master of Science in Construction Management
Master's degrees are commonly available online for construction
managers. These programs require roughly 30 credits, and are commonly
delivered wholly or partially online in order to accommodate working
construction professionals. Online programs cover topics in land use,
quality control, estimating and more. They usually cover topics in
planning and supervising, rather than hands-on techniques. Courses are
generally delivered with a simple combination of e-mail, online forums
and Internet chat tools.
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