Graduates
GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, today announced it has placed 2,000 graduates in jobs across the United States through GAF Roofing Academy, the tuition-free program that prepares individuals for entry-level careers in roofing. The job placement milestone was reached just five years after the program launched to help provide pathways to lucrative careers in the industry for individuals, including underrepresented groups such as women and formerly incarcerated. GAF aims to double that number through 2025 to ensure the program helps graduates find long-term employment.
GAF Roofing Academy combines in-classroom and hands-on training in residential and commercial roofing installation, solar, in-home sales, and restoration. Since it began in 2020, more than 365 classes have been hosted in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations and contractors across the country. After completing the program, graduates can interview with local GAF-certified contractors for full-time employment opportunities, helping individuals overcome obstacles to finding a job. Formerly incarcerated individuals, who are looking for employment and traditionally face barriers to employment, represent 16% of GAF Roofing Academy graduates. Women, who account for less than 3% of roofers, represent 14% of graduates, and African Americans, who represent less than 5% of roofers, account for 28% of graduates.
“GAF Roofing Academy has helped thousands of individuals with immense potential for success to pursue rewarding careers in the roofing industry,” said Chris Rector, Chief Marketing Officer at GAF. “Time and again we see how this program is about so much more than the training. Every class is an opportunity to bring new voices and talent to the industry and for many students, it is a chance to pursue a better future for themselves and their families.”
The construction industry will need to attract more than 500,000 workers on top of the normal pace of hiring to meet the demand for labor in 2024, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. In addition to a shortage of the number of skilled workers available, there is also a shortage in talent. Nearly 70% of construction firms report applicants lack the skills needed to work in the construction industry. GAF Roofing Academy is not only helping develop a strong application pool for the roofing industry, but it is helping to connect contractors with qualified and skilled talent to help them meet their customers’ needs and grow their businesses.
