We all RISE together

By Emma Peterson. 

Through the RISE program, Tremco WTI builds roofers – not just roofs. 

One of the amazing things about the roofing industry is that it welcomes people from all backgrounds. Whether you have decades of experience in an adjacent trade or roofing is the first trade you are joining, the roofing community will take you in and help you grow. This type of mentorship has always been a priority for Weatherproofing Technologies Inc (WTI), which is a subsidiary of Tremco. To learn more about how WTI finds and develops individuals’ talents, Heidi J. Ellsworth hosted James McDonald, WTI’s VP, and Maureen Greeves, their director of field operations, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

WTI hosts a variety of programs designed to introduce people to roofing and connect them with the training and mentorship needed to succeed. One of their major programs is called RISE (Roofing Individuals Succeed through Education). This program centers its operations around the idea that culture comes before everything else. James explained, “First and foremost, we're always looking for a cultural fit...I'd say that the traditional roofing requirements that most people are looking for are well down our list. Because we can train, that's what we do...We've created a culture here at WTI that we believe in; we know that it works. We all rise together. So, first and foremost we’re looking for people that will fit into that team.” 

Through the RISE program, individuals that want to be a part of the WTI culture start by participating in intensive training. Maureen shared, “Our apprentices in the RISE program get access to Tremco University. It's on-demand trainings that they can consume when they're on the road, when they're at home. We lead with safety and then give them an introduction of roofing.” In combination with the learning they are doing, these apprentices spend on-the-job hours learning as they work. As they work more hours, they can grow into new positions. Maureen explained, “You can come in with zero experience and, for curious and courageous people, you can work hard and learn quickly...And at the end of their journey, when they're done with all their phases, they end up with a journeyman card that they take with them.” 

That card is a huge accomplishment that has started many life-long careers. James shared, “It's impacting their lives, I've met with some individuals in the field that have come through this program and the joy and love for their jobs is second to none.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about RISE and WTI’s other training programs.