From classrooms to careers

By Emma Peterson.

Learn how NRCA is supporting the future of the roofing industry at SkillsUSA 2025.

Since the 1880s, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has done everything it can to recognize, unite and support the craftspeople and professionals that make up the roofing industry. As part of their mission, they have consistently supported education opportunities for both those already in the industry and students looking ahead to future careers. One of the biggest ways they support the creation of a viable, interested talent pool for the industry is through their support of SkillsUSA.

SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization that aims to empower students to “Become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.” Their operations are all coordinated through a series of competitions. Throughout the year, students sharpen their skills and then compete on the local, regional and state levels for the chance to attend the SkillsUSA Championships, which are held annually in June.  

Roofing is represented in two different SkillsUSA categories, Teamworks and Commercial Roofing. NRCA explains, “In the Teamworks competition, teams of four build freestanding structures with asphalt shingle mockups. The Commercial Roofing competitors, following NRCA PROCertification® standards, install single-ply membranes and compete for trophies and monetary awards.”

This year’s SkillsUSA Championships will see more than 6,000 students come together in the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia from June 23-27, 2025. This is not only an incredible showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students, but it’s also a huge recruitment opportunity. NRCA’s website explains, “Trades have relied on SkillsUSA as a pipeline system for new workers since the 1960s. If the roofing industry recruited even 5% of these students, it would have more than 5,000 new roofing workers annually.”

Make sure to keep up with the news about this year’s competition, which will be hosted from June 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia!