The roofing industry has consistently faced a shortage of skilled professionals, creating a growing demand for well-trained individuals who can step into the workforce and meet the industry’s needs. The GAF Roofing Academy serves as a solution, providing a structured, hands-on training program that bridges the skills gap in the roofing trade. This academy training initiative is designed to empower veterans and other participants with the knowledge, experience, and certifications needed to succeed in both residential and commercial roofing.

With GAF being North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, the GAF Roofing Academy plays a vital role in helping people transition to rewarding careers in the roofing industry. Whether they are veterans moving from military service to civilian life or individuals looking for new opportunities, the GAF Roofing Academy offers a comprehensive education that helps build long-lasting, stable careers.

Empowering Veterans: From Military to Roofing Careers

One of the academy’s primary missions is to support veterans in their transition from military life to civilian careers. Veterans often face challenges when it comes to finding suitable employment, despite having valuable skills and a strong work ethic. The GAF Roofing Academy addresses this by providing them with the specialized training needed for success in the roofing trade.

Through programs like the Hire a Hero initiative, GAF offers veterans the opportunity to enter a growing industry where their military skills can translate into success. The academy program ensures that these veterans leave with certifications such as OSHA 10 and GAF CARE, which are highly sought after by employers in the roofing field. The academy gives veterans a solid foundation in both roofing installation and commercial applications, making them job-ready for a wide range of positions in the industry.

Comprehensive Roofing Training Programs

The GAF Roofing Academy offers a variety of roofing class options to prepare participants for real-world roofing jobs. These courses cover steep-slope roofing for residential applications, as well as commercial roof systems, giving graduates the versatility to pursue careers in both sectors. The academy ensures that students understand the different roofing materials they’ll work with, from shingles to other building materials, making them confident in handling all aspects of roofing.

Graduates of the program not only earn essential certifications but also receive guidance on navigating the roofing job market. The completion of this rigorous academy training program signals to employers that these graduates have the skills required for roofing installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the combination of GAF CARE and OSHA 10 certifications equips them to maintain high standards of safety on the job site, whether working on residential or commercial projects.

A Collaborative Effort for Success

The success of the GAF Roofing Academy is built on strong partnerships between GAF, ProTrain, and other key players in the roofing industry. These partnerships ensure that academy participants receive the best possible education in roofing materials, techniques, and safety protocols. By working together, GAF and its partners create a pool of well-trained roofers who are ready to contribute to the industry’s growth.

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we have witnessed the power of these collaborations firsthand. The GAF Roofing Academy not only provides essential roofing resources to students but also creates a community where graduates can find ongoing support and career development. This academy program helps address the roofing labor shortage by delivering a steady stream of qualified workers who are equipped to handle both residential and commercial roofing tasks.

GAF Roofing Academy: Opening Doors for Career Opportunities

The GAF Roofing Academy is not just about learning skills—it’s about opening doors to real career opportunities. After completing their training, graduates are connected to a network of roofing companies eager to hire skilled workers. Through job fairs and direct connections with employers, students have the chance to explore various roofing jobs immediately after graduation.

The roofing industry is experiencing high demand for skilled workers, and the GAF Roofing Academy provides a pipeline of qualified candidates who can step into roles with roofing contractors and companies across the country. Graduates of the program can pursue opportunities in both steep-slope and commercial roofing, providing them with the versatility to choose a path that best suits their skills and career goals.

The Graduation Ceremony: A Milestone for New Roofers

The graduation ceremony at the GAF Roofing Academy marks a major milestone in each participant’s journey. For many, this event symbolizes their entry into the workforce, armed with the skills and certifications necessary to excel in the roofing industry.

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we had the honor of attending the Class of 1-18 graduation ceremony. The enthusiasm and commitment of the instructors, such as Kenneth Garcy, were truly inspiring. His dedication to the program is evident, with stories of him working late into the night to ensure his students’ success. The ceremony itself was informal yet filled with excitement, with graduates eager to embark on their new careers.

During the ceremony, a group discussion provided invaluable advice on how to build a successful career in roofing. Experienced roofers shared insights on the challenges and benefits of working in the industry, emphasizing that hard work and integrity are key to long-term success.

GAF Roofing Academy’s Impact on the Roofing Industry

The GAF Roofing Academy has made a significant impact on both the veterans it serves and the wider roofing community. By providing specialized training and roofing resources, the academy addresses the critical shortage of skilled labor in the roofing trade. Veterans, in particular, benefit from the academy’s focus on offering them a meaningful career path, helping reduce unemployment rates among post-9/11 service members (historically exceeds the national average and the overall average of veterans)

As the roofing industry continues to grow, the need for qualified professionals becomes even more pressing. The GAF Roofing Academy plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand by producing graduates who are ready to tackle the challenges of roofing, from residential to commercial roof applications. They have important skills that transfer to civilian jobs, yet those skills may not be communicated in civilian language or accompanied by the proper certifications.  

By training individuals in both roofing materials and installation techniques, the academy ensures that its graduates are equipped to handle various projects, whether it’s installing Timberline HDZ shingles or managing a complex commercial roof project.

With its Hire a Hero program, GAF (North America’s largest roofing manufacturer) and its partner, ProTrain, attempt to remedy this situation by training veterans for careers in roofing installation.  These sorts of veterans training programs have been adopted by many companies in other fields.  This may be why current unemployment for veterans is at record lows, even lower than the national average.

Why We Are Proud to Support the GAF Roofing Academy

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we are proud to support the GAF Roofing Academy and the important work it does. The academy provides veterans and others with a path to meaningful employment, while also addressing the labor shortage in the roofing industry. As a GAF roofing contractor, we are committed to hiring graduates from the academy, knowing that they bring the right skills and attitude to their work.

Supporting the GAF Roofing Academy not only benefits the roofing community but also strengthens our company by providing access to a pool of well-trained professionals. These individuals are ready to contribute to the high-quality work we pride ourselves on at Chase Construction NW, Inc.

Contact Us for Your Roofing Needs

For more information on roof health or to schedule a free estimate, please contact us at (253) 544-3651.

Estimates are always free at Chase Construction NW, Inc. Roofing. You can fill out our quick estimate form, and we will get back to you promptly. We are committed to providing excellent service, whether it’s for a new roof installation, repair, or maintenance. Let us help you protect your home with a durable, well-installed roof that will stand the test of time.