By Brittany Wykle, Leister.

By investing in students today, Leister is helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future of the roofing industry.  

The roofing industry is essential to protecting homes, businesses and communities from the elements. It is a rewarding trade that offers financial stability, job security and the satisfaction of building something that lasts. However, as more young people are encouraged to pursue technology-focused careers, fewer are entering the skilled trades, creating a growing workforce shortage throughout the industry. 

To help address this challenge, organizations across the roofing industry are investing in education and training programs that introduce students to the opportunities available in the trades. One organization leading this effort is SkillsUSA, which partners with high schools and post-secondary institutions to help students develop valuable career skills through hands-on training and competition. 

From June 2–5, 2026, over 19,000 attendees from across the country gathered in Atlanta for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the roofing competition featured 22 students who demonstrated their knowledge and craftsmanship by installing a complete roofing system on a 6' x 6' mock roof deck. Competitors were responsible for everything from insulation installation to membrane welding and pipe and curb details, showcasing the skills required on real-world roofing projects. 

To complete the welding portion of the competition, each student was equipped with a Leister Triac ST. The Triac ST has long been a trusted tool in the roofing industry, known for its reliability, durability and consistent welding performance. By using professional-grade equipment, students gained hands-on experience with the same tools used daily by roofing contractors across the world. 

Leister's involvement extends well beyond supplying tools for the competition. Dave Nordentoft of Leister USA says, "Sponsoring the SkillsUSA program provides Leister a unique opportunity to connect with and encourage the next generation of young roofing professionals. Along with the NRCA and other key industry partners in manufacturing, distribution and contracting, we stand together to support and inspire while demonstrating the benefits of a career in commercial roofing."

As a leader in roofing welding technology, Leister is committed to helping train and support the next generation of roofing professionals. Through contractor training programs, distributor events, jobsite demonstrations and partnerships with manufacturers and industry organizations, Leister helps roofers develop the skills and confidence needed to produce high-quality welds and successful roofing installations.

For many of the students competing at SkillsUSA, the Triac ST used during the competition was the same tool they had been learning and practicing with throughout their training. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the jobsite, ensuring students are prepared to enter the workforce with practical skills and familiarity with industry-standard equipment.

As the roofing industry continues to face workforce challenges, programs like SkillsUSA play a critical role in attracting and developing future talent. Leister is proud to support these efforts and contribute to the education and training of tomorrow's roofing professionals. By investing in students today, Leister is helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future of the roofing industry. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

NRCA has released new recommendations for the design, preparation and application of roof coating systems. 

Roof coatings have become an increasingly important solution for extending the service life of existing roof systems, improving reflectivity and delaying costly replacements. Recognizing the growing role coatings play in the roofing industry, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has released an updated edition of its NRCA Guidelines for Roof Coatings. 

The NRCA’s coating guidelines have always offered contractors “valuable information about the application of various types of roof coating systems, preparations necessary for their successful performance and quality control guidelines for on-site evaluation.”  

The updated edition emphasizes the importance of proper roof evaluation and preparation before any coating application begins as successful coatings projects depend on assessing the condition of the existing roof, identifying necessary repairs and ensuring the substrate is suitable for the selected coating system. The document also provides quality control recommendations to help contractors verify coating performance during installation and throughout the project lifecycle.  

As more building owners look for restoration-focused solutions that maximize the value of existing roofing assets, having access to current industry standards and application practices through the NRCA guidelines is a powerful resource for contractors, consultants and installers.   

Access the 2026 updated edition today through NRCA. 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Desde el campo de golf hasta el piso de exhibición, la WRE 2026 ofrece a los profesionales del roofing innumerables oportunidades para aprender, conectar y hacer crecer sus negocios. 

¡Estamos a menos de dos meses de la Western Roofing Expo (WRE)! Este evento, que se llevará a cabo del domingo 27 de septiembre de 2026 al martes 29 de septiembre de 2026 en el Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino en Nevada, es el encuentro más importante de la Western States Roofing Contractors Association’s (WSRCA). Con una exposición comercial de dos días, más de 30 seminarios educativos, demostraciones de productos y una gran variedad de eventos especiales, este es el lugar ideal para estar este otoño. 

Para ayudarte a planear tu agenda durante la WRE, aquí te compartimos algunos de los eventos más destacados. 

Torneo de Golf Bob Porter 

La WRE dará inicio oficialmente el domingo 27 de septiembre a las 5:30 p.m. con la fiesta de bienvenida. Sin embargo, antes del arranque el evento oficialmente, tendrás la oportunidad de salir al campo de golf a las 7:30 a.m. junto a tus colegas en él Davis Memorial Foundation Bob Porter Golf Tournament!  

Patrocinado por QXO, este torneo te permite disfrutar del recorrido de 18 hoyos del Revere Golf Club, de 7,143 yardas y par 72, mientras apoyas una buena causa. Todos los fondos recaudados benefician al Fondo de Becas de la Davis Memorial Foundation, que ofrece apoyo económico a estudiantes de preparatoria, licenciatura y posgrado vinculados con la industria del roofing. 

¿Te interesa poner a prueba tus habilidades en el campo de golf, convivir con colegas y apoyar una gran causa? Regístrate hoy mismo.

Torneo de Tiro al Plato 

Si el golf no es lo tuyo, pero buscas una forma divertida de convivir y apoyar a la  Davis Memorial Foundation antes del inicio oficial de la WRE, también podrás participar en el Sporting Clays Tournament que se realizará la mañana del domingo 27 de septiembre a partir de las 9:00 a.m.

El evento se llevará a cabo en el Pro Gun Club de Boulder City y también es patrocinado por QXO. Está diseñado tanto para principiantes como para expertos, ya que las estaciones cambian constantemente para ofrecer nuevos desafíos durante toda la competencia.

Al igual que el torneo de golf, todos los ingresos se destinarán al Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund, que ha ayudado a cientos de estudiantes relacionados con la industria del roofing a alcanzar sus metas educativas.

Inscríbete hoy mismo.

Almuerzo legislativo 

Durante el primer día completo de la WRE, la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) ofrecerá un evento que no te puedes perder: un almuerzo legislativo. Esta será una excelente oportunidad para que los profesionales se mantengan al día sobre los desarrollos políticos y regulatorios que impactan a la industria del roofing.

El almuerzo se llevará a cabo de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. y contará con la participación de Craig Brightup (The Brightup Group) y Chad Collins (NRCA). Además de presentar un resumen anual de los acontecimientos más importantes del sector, durante el evento se anunciarán los nominados para la Junta Directiva de la WSRCA y se reconocerá a los beneficiarios de las Becas Davis Memorial 2026.

Si planeas asistir a la WRE, asegúrate de agregar este almuerzo al registrarte.

The Roofing Games™ 

Patrocinados por Malarkey Roofing Products®, The Roofing Games son la primera serie oficial de competencias avaladas por una asociación de roofing y producidas en conjunto con la Western Roofing Expo. Estos juegos se han convertido en una de las tradiciones más emblemáticas de la WRE y destacan el conocimiento técnico, las habilidades y la calidad artesanal de los participantes. ¿Quieres competir? Visita el stand de Malarkey Roofing Products (#429) antes de que comiencen las competencias. 

Ya sea que participes o simplemente observes, no te pierdas la competencia el lunes 28 de septiembre de 4:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. en el escenario de demostraciones. 

Conferencista principal 

El martes 29 de septiembre se llevará a cabo otro almuerzo especial, programado de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Patrocinado por Malarkey Roofing Products, este evento contará con la presentación de Shereen Thor, conferencista principal de la WRE 2026. Shereen es comediante y coach profesional que trabaja con personas en todos los niveles de una organización, desde colaboradores de inicio de carrera hasta ejecutivos de alta dirección. Su misión es ayudarlos a desarrollar su máximo potencial y alcanzar sus objetivos.

Conoce más sobre su presentación.

Capacitación de IIBEC 

Después de concluir la expo, el miércoles 30 de septiembre de 2026, el International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) ofrecerá una jornada especial de capacitación. El programa se desarrollará de 9:00 a.m. a 2:30 p.m. e incluirá dos presentaciones diseñadas para fortalecer los conocimientos de los profesionales de la industria de envolventes de edificios. 

La primera sesión será sobre los fundamentos de los sistemas de techado y otorgará 3.0 CEH de IIBEC. La segunda analizará las actualizaciones 2027 al International Building Code y al International Energy Conservation Code, otorgando 1.5 CEH de IIBEC. Ambas sesiones han sido enviadas para aprobación ante AIA CES. 

El costo es de $295 USD para miembros de IIBEC y $450 USD para no miembros. Regístrate aquí.

Eventos adicionales 

¡Y eso no es todo! La WRE 2026 está llena de oportunidades para aprender, hacer networking y desarrollar relaciones de negocio. Aquí te compartimos algunos eventos adicionales. 

Domingo 27 de septiembre de 2026 

• La Davis Memorial Foundation celebrará su fiesta anual de bienvenida y subasta de 5:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. Este año el evento es patrocinado por GAF. Al igual que los torneos, los fondos recaudados se destinarán al programa de becas.

Lunes 28 de septiembre de 2026 

• Se llevará a cabo un Spanish Lunch and Learn de 11:45 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Esta primera sesión estará enfocada en maximizar reclamaciones comerciales. Es patrocinada por SRS Distribution y GAF, contará con Victor Maya, de Advantage Roofing, como presentador invitado.
• Polyglass realizará una demostración en el piso de exhibición de 1:30 p.m. a 2:00 p.m.
• A las 2:30 p.m., TAMKO Building Products tomará el escenario de demostraciones.
• Posteriormente, de 3:30 p.m. a 4:00 p.m., el equipo de Johns Manville realizará otra demostración en el área de exhibición.

Martes 29 de septiembre de 2026 

• El segundo Spanish Lunch and Learn se llevará a cabo de 11:45 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Esta sesión será patrocinada por National Women in Roofing (NWIR). El evento inicia a las 7:00 a.m. y ofrecerá una hora y media de conversaciones dinámicas en formato rotativo. La inscripción cuesta $55 USD e incluye desayuno.
• El segundo Spanish Lunch and Learn se llevará a cabo de 11:45 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Esta sesión será patrocinada por CertainTeed y contará con Imelda Pérez, quien abordará el concepto de "bueno, mejor y excelente". 
• También habrá más demostraciones en el piso de exhibición. La primera comenzará a las 2:30 p.m. y será patrocinada por nosotros en RoofersCoffeeShop. En ella participarán el presidente entrante y el presidente saliente de la WSRCA Ron Lloyd y Stan Robinson, respectivamente.

Obtén más información sobre estos eventos y el resto del programa en el calendario oficial de la WRE. Y si aún no lo has hecho, asegura tu lugar en la WRE 2026. 

By The Coffee Shops.

The IFD has already demonstrated the power of international collaboration. Now, the opportunity is to expand that impact by welcoming new voices and nations into the fold.  

The roofing industry may look different from one country to the next, but the challenges it faces are often more similar than one might expect! For example, labour shortages and a changing climate are challenging professionals around the world to innovate time-saving technologies and develop new sustainability programs. 

In light of this globalization of the roofing community, organisations like the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) emerge as key players. Recently, we sat down with Ulrich Marx from the ZVDH, Germany's roofing association, to talk about how being a member of global organisations like IFD help their company thrive.  

ZVDH’s history goes all the way back to IFD’s founding. As Ulrich put it, “We are a founding member; because we have a strong belief in a worldwide roofing community...Roofs are built all over the world and it is very important to exchange knowledge with the professionals working all over the world.” 

When reflecting on how being a member of IFD has helped ZVDH grow over the decades, Ulrich highlighted the World Championship of Young Roofers, “The biggest benefit of the IFD is the World Championship. This is the most important factor to link young professionals all over the world and create a huge network for young roofers and also for the experts.” 

And it truly is these networks and connections that exemplify the power of IFD. It has been felt firsthand by the team at ZVDH who have developed both valuable professional relationships through the IFD as well has friendships that strengthens the entire global community and industry. Ulrich has personally experienced the importance of these connections, sharing:  

I remember a discussion with my American colleague Bill Good, the former CEO of NRCA. That was about ten years ago. Bill told me about their research institute and how it works. That impressed me much and together with my people in Germany we started planning our own institute to implement more technical knowledge combined with scientific input. Last year we founded the German Institute for roof and facade technology. A true value of the IFD connections.  

Overall, Ulrich and ZVDH’s experiences with IFD are just one example of the power of an international organisation. And as the federation looks toward the future, one priority stands above the rest: Bringing more countries into the conversation. 

The roofing industry is often at the centre of some of the world's most pressing challenges and greatest opportunities — particularly in areas such as solar integration, energy efficiency and building envelope performance. By bringing more countries into the IFD community, who each add their unique perspectives, ideas and expertise, the global roofing industry grow stronger. And a stronger global industry is key to creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable buildings.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Sherri Miles’ journey to leadership and her new role as the Roofing Alliance’s president. 

Recently, we had Sherri Miles of Miles Roofing on an episode of Roofing Road Trips® to talk about her roofing career. Her journey to becoming a contractor started even before she was born, as she’s a fourth-generation roofer. She recalled, “My company was started in 1910 by my great-grandfather, who was a tinner. We've been here in Chesapeake for 116 years now and still get calls from people who we put their roof on five or six decades ago.”  

Over the course of Sherri’s roofing career, she has not only worked her way up to taking the helm as president of the family business, but also taking the helm of Roofing Alliance, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s charitable arm. As Sherri described it, “The Roofing Alliance is a foundation for the roofing industry as a whole. We're based on four pillars – supporting philanthropy, innovating with sustainability, developing the workforce and revolutionizing roofing technology.” 

Taking on the role of president is a huge undertaking, but one that Sherri is excited for. She shared, “I'm so proud and happy to be president during this really cool time. We’re 30 years young this year and everyone working at the Alliance is excited to build on that legacy.” And that legacy is especially important to Sherri, as she explained, “My dad, Dudley, was a former NRCA president in the early nineties and he was going around with Bill Good and Melvin Krueger to raise funds and to this day he still remains involved with whatever he can do with the Alliance...So taking on this role is really amazing.” 

Want to learn more about Sherri, her journey and her plans as the Roofing Alliance’s newest president? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Industry leaders share how contractors can adapt to economic pressures while building stronger customer relationships. 

During the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) mid-year meetings in Chicago, industry leaders gathered for a Read Listen Watch® (RLW) webinar to discuss a topic many contractors are facing in 2026: economic uncertainty and its effect on roofing businesses. 

Moderator Heidi J. Ellsworth was joined by Wendy Marvin of Matrix Roofing and Home, Dean Curtis of Wagner Roofing Company and Fred Castonguay of Reworked.ai for a conversation about labor challenges, rising material costs, changing customer behavior and the increasing role of technology. 

While conditions vary by region, the panel agreed that many contractors are working harder to achieve the same results. Wendy pointed out that labor availability, pricing pressures and slowdowns in new construction have affected the market. Customers are taking longer to commit to major investments, making service and maintenance work increasingly important. 

As homeowners and building owners delay projects, the panel emphasized the value of education and long-term relationships. “Because we’ve always focused on building relationships and trust and earning business in the community by helping, I think that has really helped our company,” Wendy shared. Rather than focusing solely on roof replacements, contractors are exploring repair options, maintenance programs and phased approaches that help customers manage costs while protecting their properties. 

Technology was another key theme. Contractors today face a growing number of software and artificial intelligence offerings, which can feel overwhelming. Still, Fred encouraged contractors to stay engaged and informed rather than ignore emerging tools. Instead, he urged contractors to evaluate if a technology product fits their needs. “You could have the best product in the world, and it does so much and it’s priced perfectly. It just doesn’t match up with what I’m doing right now,” he said. 

The discussion repeatedly returned to relationships as the industry’s greatest strength. Whether helping homeowners understand maintenance requirements, navigating insurance concerns or evaluating technology investments, trust remains critical. Dean emphasized the lasting value of people-focused business practices, saying, “It is about the people and about how we adapt as people and bring on these technologies and continue to be able to service our customers no matter what is going on.” 

The panel closed with a reminder that despite economic headwinds, the core need for roofing services remains unchanged. As Fred put it, “The roofs are still aging.” 

Listen to or Watch the webinar to learn more about navigating economic uncertainty and technology adoption in the roofing industry. 

By Emma Peterson. 

The hidden dangers of roof degradation and the importance of building awareness, prevention and safety culture. 

In one of our newest episodes of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth hosted Gary Walpole from National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) for a discussion about safety in the roofing trade. Gary’s career in the roofing trade extends over four decades, “I did all my academic learning whilst working on the tools, which is great in construction and certainly in the roofing sector. I've worked at every level in the contracting element of the roofing sector, predominantly focusing on flat roofing.”  

Today, he is NFRC’s technical safety, health and environment officer. What does he do in this role? He leverages his years of experience to help promote safe practices in the roofing trade. One of the ways he does this is by helping run NFRC’S safety campaigns, such as the new Don’t Fall for Fragile campaign.  

This new campaign aims to address one of the biggest safety challenges facing the roofing industry – aging, fragile roofs. Gary explained why this is such a big safety issue:  

We're seeing on average about seven to eight deaths a year from falls through fragile elements. Then if you times that by ten, that's probably where we are with specified injuries. And those injuries aren’t just a bruise, they’re life-changing injuries that put people in wheelchairs and end their careers.   

Why has this grown into such a big issue? Gary points to a “lack of awareness of the actual roof aging process.” UV exposure is a huge part of roof aging and makes roofs incredibly fragile. Exacerbating the danger is the fact that UV degradation is not always obvious at first glance – leading to tradespeople climbing on roofs that they think are safe and finding out they are actually fragile when they collapse.  

What the Don’t Fall for Fragile campaign does is educate about this issue and offer recommendations on ways to better assess a roof’s condition. As Gary put it, "It's quite straightforward. It focuses on leadership, culture change and prevention.”  

Listen to the podcast with Gary or Watch the recording on YouTube to learn more about NFRC’s Don’t Fall for Fragile campaign. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Trent Cotney and Heidi J. Ellsworth look back at the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. 

Earlier this year, roofing contractors and professionals from around the country came together to advocate for the future of the industry in Washington, D.C. This event, Roofing Day in D.C., is annually coordinated by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) as an opportunity for industry professionals to speak directly with representatives and government officials about the importance of roofing. To reflect on how the event went, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Trent Cotney from Adams and Reese for a Roofing Road Trips® episode.  

Trent has attended nearly every Roofing Day since NRCA began the event and shared how the event is structured. He explained, “The event is really about educating people on Capitol Hill about our industry and our struggles. NRCA does a tremendous job helping attendees organize and understand the talking points. It makes it easy for anyone to join in and help make our industry’s concerns be heard.” 

Each year, NRCA’s lobbying team picks out a few key issues that they want to highlight over the course of the event. Then they create a list of talking points that help Roofing Day attendees start the conversation with their representatives. This year's key issues focused on workforce instability, lack of affordable housing and the need for continuing technical education.  

During his time on Capitol Hill this year, Trent specifically spent time talking to his representatives about the need for legislation like the Dignity Act in relation to the workforce shortage and instability facing the construction industry and other trades. He explained:  

The Dignity Act’s entire goal is to give an opportunity for people to come here and work legally, with an eventual pathway to permanent status. And it addresses the issues of immigration and workforce shortages that we’ve seen in the headlines for the last few years. Because every single roofing contractor, manufacturer and supplier wants a legal workforce, but there is simply not a sufficient domestic labor supply. So, if we're going to have a zero-tolerance immigration policy, we also have to have a mechanism to allow people to come here and work those jobs.  

To be clear, this is not a red or blue issue – it's an industry issue. As Trent put it, “It’s really easy to watch the news and form a politicized opinion one way or the other. But what I’m talking about shouldn't be politicized. We’re talking about a real issue in the industry – we don’t have enough workers and we need a solution. Right now, our best solution is the Dignity Act.”  

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to hear more about NRCA’s 2026 Roofing Day in D.C.

The most valuable thing exchanged during the National Roofing Apprenticeship Program’s July 8 visit to Advanced Roofing was not a presentation or a statistic, it was candor.

For a full day, Advanced Roofing CEO and Founder Rob Kornahrens and Workforce Development Manager Joey Lee walked their visitors through nearly a decade of decisions, adjustments and lessons learned. They explained what worked, what failed and what they would change if they were starting again. Brad Strawbridge, CEO of Capital City Roofing and Geoff Mitchell, CEO of Mid-South Roof Systems, joined NRAP leaders Steve Little, Tony Rader and Tammy Hall to study Florida’s registered program from the inside and determine which elements could help accelerate an Atlanta-area program. By day’s end, the lesson was clear: roofing does not need to invent apprenticeship from the ground up. It needs a disciplined way to learn from programs already producing results.

A workforce challenge that demands structure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roofer employment will grow six percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 12,700 openings each year. The challenge is not simply attracting people to roofing. It is giving them a credible career path and employers a reliable system for developing talent. 

Connecting proven programs

That is why NRAP was formed. The independent, industry-governed nonprofit helps roofing contractors and workforce partners connect and replicate proven apprenticeship practices. NRAP does not replace state programs, ABC chapters, program sponsors or established curriculum and credentialing organizations. It connects those assets, including NCCER curriculum, SkillsUSA and CTE pipelines, ABC training centers, NRCA resources and registered apprenticeship programs, into a more consistent pathway. Florida and Texas already have operating registered programs. Georgia is in development, with Capital City Roofing and Mid-South Roof Systems helping anchor the effort.

“NRAP wasn’t created to reinvent apprenticeship. The roofing industry already has the pieces: NCCER curriculum, ABC training centers, CTE pipelines and proven state-registered programs. What has been missing is the connective tissue. Our job is to document what is working in places like Florida and Texas and make it easier for the next contractor and the next state, to build on proven success.” - Steve Little, president, treasurer, NRAP and CEO, K-Post Company

Nine years of lessons in one day

The morning at Advanced Roofing showed what a mature program looks like in practice. Apprentices complete more than 4,000 hours of paid on-the-job learning and approximately 300 hours of related technical instruction using NCCER-based curriculum. The two-year program is registered through Florida’s apprenticeship system and delivered with the ABC Institute. Even the class schedule reflects experience rather than theory. Evening classes left employees exhausted after long workdays. Weekend classes competed with family obligations. Advanced Roofing moved instruction into paid work hours every other Friday, giving apprentices the time and energy to participate fully.

“What I would share with contractors new to apprenticeship is to treat the program as a workforce strategy, not a training expense. When you invest in developing your own talent pipeline, you build stronger teams, improve retention and create the next generation of the industry.” - Joey Lee, workforce development manager, Advanced Roofing

The business case for developing people

Advanced Roofing covers tuition, pays apprentices during training and provides a defined path from apprentice to mechanic, foreman, superintendent, estimator or project manager. The results are concrete: 18 of the company’s last 20 graduates remain employed and 16 have earned at least one promotion. The company’s experience is consistent with national research. A 2022 U.S. Department of Labor study found a median employer return on investment of 44.3 percent across the registered apprenticeship programs studied, with additional benefits from productivity, lower turnover and a stronger talent pipeline. 

“Our apprenticeship program has delivered far more than technical skills. It has helped build careers, leadership and a stronger company culture. Hosting NRAP was meaningful because it allowed us to share our experience, learn from others and demonstrate how investing in people creates long-term success for everyone involved.” - Rob Kornahrens, CEO and founder, Advanced Roofing

A program is more than a classroom

The afternoon widened the lens beyond one company. Representatives from CareerSource Broward, Junior Achievement, the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida and the ABC Institute explained how recruitment, referrals, funding and administration move among their organizations. 

The discussion reinforced a central reality: successful apprenticeship is an ecosystem. Contractors provide employment and on-the-job learning. Training organizations deliver instruction. Schools and community partners introduce candidates. Workforce agencies help eligible employers access funding. CareerSource Broward has provided more than $219,000 in Registered Apprentice On-the-Job Training wage reimbursements to Advanced Roofing since 2020.

For the Georgia contractors, the value was direct access: they could question the people responsible for making the system work. 

Taking the blueprint back to Georgia

As the day progressed, the questions became more specific: instructor selection, recruitment, scheduling, documentation, funding and the discipline required to sustain a program after launch.

“My biggest takeaway was that operational excellence isn’t built on one breakthrough. It is built on disciplined systems, intentional leadership and a culture where every team member understands the standard and takes ownership of it. I left with practical ideas we can implement immediately as we begin growing the Georgia Roofing Workforce Initiative in partnership with NRAP.” - Brad Strawbridge, CEO, Capital City Roofing

“I was honored to see Advanced Roofing’s apprenticeship program in person. There are a lot of details that can be overlooked in the high-level conversations about the need for a program like this and it was clear that the program has had a powerful impact on attendees’ lives. Their stories of the emotions at the graduation ceremonies were moving and the retention of the graduates and their advancement in the industry were clear indications that both the graduate and the sponsor company benefited from the program.” - Geoff Mitchell, CEO, Mid-South Roof Systems 

From one successful program to a national framework

NRAP is incorporating those lessons into its Contractor Implementation Toolkit, which will address planning, instructor onboarding, reporting, workforce funding and coordination among contractors, training providers and public agencies. Florida demonstrated that a durable roofing apprenticeship program can be built. Georgia demonstrated that contractors are ready to carry the model forward. NRAP’s task is to turn successful local practice into repeatable national knowledge, reduce start-up barriers and help contractors create credible career pathways for roofing’s next mechanics, foremen, superintendents and leaders. One visit cannot solve the industry’s workforce challenge. But the day at Advanced Roofing showed that the blueprint already exists. The next step is making sure more of the industry can use it. 

About NRAP

The National Roofing Apprenticeship Program is an independent, industry-governed nonprofit serving as a national coordination resource for roofing apprenticeship. It works with registered programs, contractors, ABC chapters, NCCER, SkillsUSA, CTE partners and workforce agencies to document proven practices and support responsible expansion. Learn more at www.nrapus.org.

New six-course program helps contractors close communication gaps, retain top talent and strengthen safety and performance across bilingual teams. 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and The GLO Group today announced the launch of the Executive Leadership Bilingual Pilot Program, a six-course leadership development initiative built to help roofing companies bridge communication gaps between executives and Hispanic field teams while developing the industry's next generation of field leaders.

To introduce the program, NRCA and The GLO Group will host a complimentary live webinar on Thursday, August 20, at 1:00 p.m. CDT. Contractors can register here.

Hispanic employees make up a substantial share of the roofing workforce, and many companies are recognizing that language differences, cultural disconnects and inconsistent leadership development quietly erode productivity, safety, retention and profitability. The pilot program was created to give contractors practical, field-ready strategies for closing that gap. 

"One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that communication challenges are simply a language issue. In reality, they're a leadership issue," said Monica Vornbrock, co-founder and chief innovation & transformation officer of The GLO Group. "Companies already have talented Hispanic employees with the potential to become exceptional leaders, but too often they haven't been given the tools, coaching or opportunities to grow. That's why we built this pilot program with NRCA, to help roofing companies develop stronger leaders, sharpen communication and build more aligned, high-performing teams."

The program is co-facilitated by Vornbrock, who brings expertise in leadership development, team alignment, bilingual operations and effective communication,  longside Lorna Rojas, a specialist in human resources, recruitment, Hispanic training and OSHA safety practices and Chris Navarro, NRCA’s specialist in bilingual workforce development, Hispanic leadership pathways and field-focused training initiatives.

“The roofing industry is facing a real workforce shortage, and Hispanic field talent represents one of our best opportunities to build the next generation of supervisors and site leaders," said Navarro, NRCA manager of membership sales and Spanish relations, NRCA. "This program gives our members practical tools to develop that talent and close communication and safety gaps on the jobsite, that's a direct return on investment for any contractor.

Built for decision-makers, not just HR
The six-course program was developed for owners, executives, operations leaders, HR professionals and managers responsible for leading diverse teams. Rather than treating language as the core issue, it equips leaders with tools to build alignment from the executive office to the jobsite. Participants will learn how to:

• Develop confident Hispanic supervisors capable of leading high-performing crews
• Reduce costly communication breakdowns that contribute to rework, delays and safety incidents
• Build trust, accountability and psychological safety across multilingual teams
• Improve retention by creating stronger leadership pathways for Hispanic employees
• Increase adoption of technology, systems and AI through people-centered leadership practices
• Create greater consistency in how crews execute work, regardless of language or cultural background

The curriculum spans six interactive courses, including Leadership in Two Languages: Elevating Hispanic Supervisors, Psychological Safety & Cultural Trust in  Roofing Environments and Modern Tools, Traditional Values: AI + People-Centered Leadership, bridging the gap between executive strategy and field execution.

Webinar details

• During the August 20 session, attendees will:
• Learn why bilingual leadership has become a competitive advantage for roofing companies
• See how stronger leadership directly impacts safety, productivity, engagement and 
• profitability
• Get a first look at the six-course curriculum
• Meet facilitators Monica Vornbrock, Lorna Rojas and Chris Navarro
• Participate in a live Q&A

Register for the free webinar.

Program pricing
As part of this partnership, NRCA members receive preferred pricing.
NRCA Members

• $195 per individual course
• $875 for the complete six-course program

Non-Members

• $295 per individual course
• $1,325 for the complete six-course program

Contractors can enroll in the program here. 

About The GLO Group
The GLO Group is a leadership development and organizational consulting firm serving the roofing and construction industries. Through executive coaching, organizational strategy, leadership development, bilingual workforce initiatives and team alignment, The GLO Group helps companies build stronger leaders, healthier cultures and more profitable businesses. Learn more at www.glogroup.com.

About the National Roofing Contractors Association
The National Roofing Contractors Association is one of the construction industry's leading trade associations, representing roofing professionals throughout the United States. NRCA provides education, advocacy, technical resources, workforce development and industry-leading programs that help contractors build stronger businesses and advance the roofing profession. Learn more at www.nrca.net.