Massillon students complete free GAF Roofing Academy – A fast track to skilled jobs

GAF and Advanced Industrial Roofing team up for the third year to host free roofing training program, creating more pathways to careers for Massillon residents.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, once again partnered with Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc., a local roofing contractor and one of the top 250 roofing companies in the United States, to bring the GAF Roofing Academy back to Massillon, Ohio, for a third straight year. The free, four-day program opened its doors to 20 students, providing them with training in commercial roofing installation and the skills needed to secure an entry-level position in roofing.

This year, students from four schools participated, including Massillon Washington Career Technical Education, RG Drage Career Technical Center, Buckeye Career Center and South Stark Career Academy. Unique to this course, students received Hot Air Welding Safety Training (HAWT) – developed by the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association – which teaches the methods for identifying and controlling hazards that workers face during the installation of roofing systems using electrically powered equipment.

“We are proud to be working alongside GAF to bring their Roofing Academy training to young people in this region and usher in the next generation of roofers,” said Fred Horner, co-owner of Advanced Industrial Roofing. “The education and hands-on experience that the students learned this week will not only help provide them job opportunities but also build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.” 

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. Through this recurring course alongside Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc., more than 60 students have been trained. 

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 Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc

In the spring of 1988 friends and co-workers Fred Horner and Jeff Rupert founded Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc. in Massillon, Ohio. They ran the business out of a home office with three employees, a pink desk, a folding chair, a one-line phone and three old pick-up trucks. Through hard work and determination, the operation grew and prospered and today they are one of the top 250 roofing companies in The United States.

Advanced Industrial Roofing Inc. installs quality roof systems while maintaining the highest level of customer service and professionalism in the industry. Since 1988, their core principal has remained the same, to provide customers with the continued quality and service they expect.

Advanced Industrial Roofing has over 90 employees with 22,000 square feet of operating space which includes a state-of-the-art sheet metal shop & roofing and sheet metal training facility. AIR employs twelve roofing and six sheet metal crews ranging from a two-man maintenance operation to twenty man production crews. Advanced Industrial Roofing is proud to offer the only open shop roofing state accredited apprenticeship program in Ohio.

Advanced Industrial Roofing is active in the community and the industry as members and active volunteers of: The National Roofing Contractors Association, The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, The Ohio Roofing Contractors Association, The National Federation of Independent Business, The Better Business Bureau, The Massillon Chamber of Commerce and The Canton Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at www.airoofing.com