222 CAREER CHOICES A Job That’s ThoughtOf Very Highly (NAPSA)—Things may be looking up for people who areinterested in a job that offers good pay, variety, a chance to work closely with others, travel opportunities and the ability to work outdoors. If, that is, prospective workers look up at the roof. Roofing workis a craft a person can take pride in trying to perfect. “There’s a feeling of satisfaction when you drive by a building and can say, ‘I put the roof on that,’” says the president of one roofing company. What's more, your job can flourish into a career as you advance to positions that require increased responsibility and expertise. Then, there are the economic benefits. A recent survey of union and non-union contractors by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)—the roofing industry trade association—found that roofing superintendents earn, on average, $22 per hour andjourneymen roofing workers earn, on average, $17 per hour. According to the survey findings, benefits often include health insurance, paid vacations, retirement plans, a 40-hour-a-week pay guarantee, vehicle use, educational and other employee assis- tance programs, and more. In addition, a career in roofing offers opportunities for advancement—roofing can be a lifelong Baw @a\ Photo courtesy of The Garland Co., Inc., Cleveland Manypeople feel on top of the world after starting a career in the roofing industry. career. You can begin as an entrylevel roofing worker and eventually become a foreman, estimator, project manager or superintendent, or choose your own career path. The more time you spend in the industry, the more diverse knowledge and experience you will gain. Current economic and labor market conditions have put many roofing contractors in a labor bind—there aren’t enough workers available to handle all the jobs roofing contractors are asked to perform. The opportunity to make money has never been greater. To learn more, call a 24-hour, bilingual (English and Spanish), toll-free job information hotline at 1-888-ROOF-321. Ask for a free brochure anda list of roofing contractors in your area with job openings.
