GAF’s Roofing Academy approved by Department of Defense SkillBridge program

Approval further expands career opportunities for transitioning service members and supplies the roofing industry with qualified talent.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, has achieved a major milestone with accreditation of the GAF Roofing Academy under the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program. The SkillBridge designation extends the impact of the GAF Roofing Academy, creating a national pipeline that guides transitioning service members towards long-term careers, while supplying the roofing industry with a steady stream of qualified talent.

“GAF has a strong track record of supporting our service men and women, and the addition of GAF Roofing Academy under the SkillBridge program allows us to broaden our impact,” said Chris Rector, chief marketing officer at GAF.

“The combination of our industry-leading training and network of GAF-certified contractors seeking disciplined, highly-skilled talent will further strengthen our industry and provide pathways to rewarding, long-term careers for veterans.”

SkillsBridge builds on the existing partnerships that GAF has established to provide support and training to veterans and transitioning military. Over the last five years, GAF has partnered with organizations like The Army Career Skills Program, Medical Evaluation Board Career Skills Program, NextOp, Work for Warriors, Veterans Affairs, Colorado Veterans Project and Team Rubicon, to bring the GAF Roofing Academy training to service members across the country. The result has been meaningful, with 43% of service member graduates to date being placed in stable, good-paying jobs. 

GAF Roofing Academy is a tuition-free national program that includes classroom and hands-on training in residential and commercial installation, in-home sales and restoration at locations across the country. The program is open to all, including key talent pools such as veterans, justice-involved individuals and minorities in the roofing trade. After completing the program, graduates have access to job opportunities with GAF-certified contractors. Since launching the program in 2020, more than 4,400 individuals have been trained and over 2,500 graduates have been placed into jobs in the industry. 

For more information on GAF Roofing Academy or to register for an upcoming training, visit www.gaf.com/RoofingAcademy.

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

About SkillBridge

The Department of Defense SkillBridge program connects service members with civilian work experience opportunities during their last 180 days of service. Through industry training, apprenticeships and internships, SkillBridge enables service members to gain valuable civilian work experience while still receiving military compensation and benefits. The program provides employers with access to a highly skilled, disciplined and dedicated talent pool, helping service members successfully transition into civilian careers. Learn more at skillbridge.osd.mil.