By Emma Peterson.

As SkillsUSA celebrates its 62nd year, we take a look at all the work they have done for students around the country.

In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth got the chance to sit down with Chelle Travis, the executive director of SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is the number one workforce development organization for students in the United States. They serve over 440,000 students and educators with programs in over 130 occupational areas (ranging from cake decorating to construction).

The mission of SkillsUSA is simple, as Chelle put it, “Our mission is to empower students to become skilled professionals, career ready leaders and responsible community members.”

How do they do that? Through a series of events and programming carefully designed to give “students the opportunity to put not only their technical skills, but also their very important workplace and personal skills into practice.” A great example of this type of event is their annual championships!

The SkillsUSA championship brings their organization together to give students a stage to showcase their skills and talents! Chelle gave some details on the event, sharing, “It is 31 football fields of skilled competition under one roof, alongside a tradeshow where business and industry partners and associations have the opportunity to engage with our future skill professionals.”

And the best part? It’s working. Since their founding back in the 1960s, millions of young people have found pathways to success in the trades. Looking back at it, Chelle shared some thoughts:

We're now entering into year sixty-two. And we couldn’t be more proud of our six decades strengthening the connection between education and industry so that students understand the opportunities available to them and are set up for successful careers when they enter into the workforce.

Listen to the whole Contractor Outlook or Watch the conversation with Chelle to learn more about SkillsUSA!

By The Coffee Shops®.

Your industry’s next generation is in today’s classrooms — help students discover what’s possible by connecting with local schools and CTSO programs.

During the Oregon CTSO Academy for Chapter Excellence Conference in Ashland, Oregon, on October 8-10, an industry trends panel discussion was hosted that focused on the transition from education to employment. Moderated by Chuck Young, the director of Oregon SkillsUSA, the discussion was eye opening. The panel comprised of Saai Grandhi, SkillsUSA Oregon treasurer; Mari Yonan, DECA vice president of leadership; Rep. Emily McIntire; Jared Rennie, owner of Noble Coffee; Brent Kell, CEO of Valley Immediate Care.

Overall, it was identified that Oregon students need more opportunities to explore careers early, develop practical skills and connect directly with employers. Throughout the conversation, panelists returned to a central idea: a student’s first career decision should be informed by real-world experience. Internships, externships, job shadows and classroom visits from industry professionals can help students understand a field’s responsibilities, pay, schedule and quality of life before investing significant time and resources in it.

That exploration does not mean students must commit to one career for life. Instead, it gives them an opportunity to learn about themselves, identify their interests and make their next decision with greater confidence. “Try a bunch of different things, then choose one and get really, really good at it,” Jared said.

Finding purpose through early career exploration

Panelists encouraged students to explore several industries in low-risk, high-growth environments. Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs), school programs and industry partnerships can give students a closer look at possible career pathways while helping them build practical experience.

Students on the panel emphasized the importance of understanding their own interests and motivations. Once students identify a passion, they said, they need the drive to pursue it through education, employment or another pathway.

Exposure should begin well before graduation. One panelist noted that students may begin forming ideas about careers as early as elementary school, making middle school and the earlier grades important times to introduce a variety of career clusters.

Saai shared an example about a Chromebook repair program at his school where they partner with Acer, the company that makes the Chromebooks and students repair the devices for their district, gaining technical experience and discovering whether they enjoy the field or not. That experience can strengthen a résumé and potentially lead to an internship or future employment.

Panelists also discussed the need to present options beyond a traditional four-year college path. Businesses could visit schools in much the same way colleges do, explaining what they do, what opportunities they offer and which skills students need to succeed.

Building skills that carry across careers

Career readiness requires more than technical knowledge. Panelists identified writing, spelling, email etiquette, communication, punctuality, time management and perseverance as foundational workplace skills.

They also encouraged students to develop the courage to ask questions, take an unfamiliar path and continue when work becomes difficult. “You have to show up and you have to do hard things,” Brent said. “If you show up and do hard stuff. You’re going to succeed.”

Failure was consistently presented as part of growth rather than a final outcome. Students were encouraged to recover quickly, learn from setbacks and keep moving forward. One panelist summarized the goal as learning how to learn. Industries, technologies and individual career paths will continue to change, but students who know how to acquire new skills will be better prepared to adapt.

“No one’s path looks the same,” Emily shared. “Learn how to learn and then don’t stop.”

Creating stronger relationships with industry

The panel also explored how to bring industry partners into the classroom. Suggestions included inviting business professionals to speak with students, creating advisory boards, developing student-led projects and providing regular opportunities to visit workplaces. “People want to hear from industry professionals,” Mari said. “People want to hear about things that aren’t just a four-year university.”

Local chambers of commerce can help schools identify nearby businesses interested in supporting students. School administrators, superintendents and school boards can also help establish partnerships and create pathways between classrooms and workplaces.

Panelists acknowledged that reaching out can be difficult. Teachers may not always know whom to contact, while small and midsized employers may be too busy to build an internship or job-shadowing program from the ground up.

Employers may be more likely to participate when schools make the opportunity specific and manageable. Instead of asking a business to design an entire program, an adviser could present a student who is interested in a particular field, explain the student’s availability and ask the employer to provide a defined experience. “If we just have to show up for these kids, it’s so much easier for us,” Brent said.

Making education relevant to the future of work

Panelists called for deeper collaboration between schools and businesses at the curriculum level. Because many industries change quickly, employers can help educators understand which skills students will need when they enter the workforce.

At the same time, education must continue to provide strong foundations in math, science, reading and communication. Students should leave school equipped to pursue their goals and be able to demonstrate meaningful knowledge and skills.

Hands-on learning can connect those academic foundations to a clear purpose. Career and technical education programs give students opportunities to apply what they are learning while discovering where their interests may lead.

For industry professionals, building the next generation of talent starts with making a connection. Reach out to a local school or CTSO adviser and ask how your experience, time and resources can support students exploring their futures. Whether you speak to a class, offer a job-shadowing opportunity or donate materials for hands-on learning, your involvement can help students connect classroom lessons with real career possibilities – students are eager for real-world experiences. You do not have to build an entire program to make a difference — start with one conversation, one classroom or one student and help open the door to a future in your industry.

By Lauren White.

Students, educators and industry partners connected at Oregon’s Academy for Chapter Excellence to explore career pathways and help shape the future workforce.

Building the future workforce starts long before someone applies for their first job. That message stayed with me after attending the Oregon CTSO Academy for Chapter Excellence in Ashland, Oregon, October 8-10, 2026.

Over three days, 42 students representing eight career and technical student organizations (CTSOs), including Oregon SkillsUSA, gathered with chapter advisors to strengthen their leadership skills and connect classroom learning with career opportunities.

Students and advisors attended separate breakout sessions, with advisors exploring chapter improvement, fundraising and other ways to support their organizations. Shared sessions brought everyone together, creating space for conversations between students, educators and industry partners.

Friday’s chapter leaders' session offered a particularly valuable opportunity to listen. Moderated by Jeff Rhoades from the Oregon Department of Education, the discussion invited students to explain what they experience in school and what they want education leaders to understand. They called for more project-based learning, clearer connections between core academics and career and technical education and greater access to career exploration.

Jeff emphasized starting conversations about the trades earlier, including in middle school. He shared, “By third grade, students know what they’re good at and what they enjoy in school. Getting into middle schools and starting the conversation earlier about the trades is vital.” For trades professionals, that is an important invitation; we cannot assume students understand our industries or the opportunities available within them. A classroom visit, hands-on demonstration or job-shadowing experience can make those possibilities tangible.

Access, however, requires more than interest. Students identified conference fees, transportation and lodging as barriers to participation in CTSOs. Some schools lack chapters or teachers able to take on the volunteer advisor role. Students also asked how to advocate for their organizations and whom to approach. These conversations underscored why employer involvement matters: financial support, materials and connections can help turn enthusiasm into opportunity.

Friday’s etiquette dinner reinforced another benefit of these programs. Beyond learning dining etiquette, students and advisors connected with professionals and industry partners outside their own organizations, practicing the conversations that help build professional relationships.

Saturday’s industry trends panel, moderated by Oregon SkillsUSA Director Chuck Young, brought the workforce connection into focus. Saai Grandhi, Oregon SkillsUSA treasurer; Mari Yonan, DECA vice president of leadership; state representative Emily McIntire; Noble Coffee owner Jared Rennie; and Valley Immediate Care CEO Brent Kell explored ways to help students move from the classroom into the workforce. The discussion emphasized internships, industry visits and hands-on projects alongside communication, time management, perseverance and continued learning. Stronger school-employer partnerships can help students explore pathways beyond a traditional four-year degree while connecting curriculum with workplace needs.

I left Ashland hopeful about the next generation, inspired by students’ thirst for knowledge, eagerness to learn and willingness to try new things — and reminded that even small efforts from industry professionals can help turn that curiosity into career opportunities. Visit a classroom. Connect with an advisor. Sponsor a student’s conference attendance. The future of the trades depends on those connections, and every business has an opportunity to help build them.

A great place to start would be attending the Oregon state SkillsUSA competition March 12-13 at Rogue Community College – see for yourself what these students are capable of!

Hear from conference attendees about their experiences, their hopes for the future and the value of CTSOs.

By The Coffee Shops®.

Learn how training, mentorship and industry engagement can help contractors recruit and develop the future workforce.

The future of metal roofing and construction depends on attracting skilled workers and helping them succeed from day one. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, host Karen Edwards sat down with Jon Olson of The Malco Group to discuss how contractors can play a direct role in developing the next generation of trade professionals.

According to Jon, the industry is experiencing a significant generational shift as experienced workers retire faster than new talent enters the workforce. At the same time, many young people have had fewer opportunities to develop hands-on skills before entering a trade career. As a result, training has become more important than ever. “Training in many ways is the industry solution to try and bridge that gap between ‘I'm just starting out’ and ‘I'm here and I'm a productive addition to the team,’” Jon emphasized.

Malco supports workforce development through several initiatives, including its Head of the Class program, participation in SkillsUSA competitions and classroom engagement through the Building Talent Foundation. Jon explained that these programs expose students to career opportunities while rewarding achievement and encouraging interest in the trades.

Training, however, goes beyond formal programs. Jon emphasized the importance of creating a "winning and learning" environment where both mentors and apprentices remain open to learning. He noted that contractors should avoid assuming new workers understand concepts that may seem basic to seasoned professionals and instead focus on meeting students where they are.

Technology also plays an important role in attracting younger workers. Jon shared that contractors who invest in modern tools, training resources and educational content demonstrate a commitment to employee success. Resources such as product videos, troubleshooting guides and hands-on demonstrations can help workers gain confidence while improving productivity on the jobsite.

When discussing recruitment, Jon encouraged contractors to become involved with organizations such as SkillsUSA, serve as judges at competitions, mentor students and provide jobsite exposure. He believes helping students understand the pride that comes from building their communities can be one of the industry's strongest recruiting tools. “Allowing these aspiring trade pros to understand how rewarding this can be in building their community is a key aspect of showing them the benefits of their labor,” he explained.

Ultimately, workforce development starts with engagement. By investing in training, apprenticeships and mentorship, contractors can help ensure a stronger future for metal roofing and construction.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about recruiting and training the next generation of trade professionals.

Two advocates for roofing's future join forces. 

SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, announces a partnership with Arconic Foundation, an organization committed to funding nonprofit and community organizations that enhance education through skill-building learning experiences, advance environmental sustainability and meet essential human needs.

The partnership formalizes Arconic Foundation’s support of SkillsUSA’s mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. This includes funding of SkillsUSA chapter grants designed to broaden opportunities for SkillsUSA members in more than five Arconic communities. Arconic Foundation conducts grantmaking in the communities of Arconic, a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions, as well as innovative architectural products. “Arconic Foundation and SkillsUSA are both committed to enhancing individual opportunities and developing the workforce of tomorrow,” said Ryan Kish, president and treasurer of Arconic Foundation. “Our partnership supports these shared objectives by investing directly in the students in our local communities.”

SkillsUSA chapters that represent a variety of manufacturing-related training programs will be eligible to apply for $7,500 grants to enhance their SkillsUSA experience, which could include adding equipment, acquiring educational materials and growing student interest in manufacturing.

Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA, said the support of philanthropic organizations like Arconic Foundation is critical to the success of the next generation of the skilled workforce. “The partnership with Arconic Foundations means thousands of students will be able to grow the personal, workplace and technical skills they need to be career ready on day one,” she said. “We value Arconic Foundation’s commitment to developing our workforce and strengthening the communities it serves.”

About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 444,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 16 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Contractor support starts with workforce development and practical jobsite solutions. 

Labor shortages continue to challenge contractors across roofing, metal construction and other skilled trades. According to Rich Benninghoff, CEO of The Malco Group, manufacturers have an important role to play in helping contractors work more efficiently while also supporting the industry's future workforce. 

Speaking with Karen Edwards on a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Rich explained that workforce capacity remains one of the biggest issues facing contractors today. He pointed to retirements and competition for skilled labor as factors reducing the number of available workers while demand for projects continues to grow. "There are less people to do more work," Rich pointed out. 

As crews become harder to staff, manufacturers are increasingly focused on helping contractors maximize efficiency. Rich said Malco concentrates on solutions that “improve time, quality, rework" and other factors that can help crews accomplish more with fewer people on the job. 

Addressing workforce shortages also means helping attract and develop the next generation. Rich highlighted the company's longstanding support of industry education initiatives such as SkillsUSA and Head of the Class. "We wanted to have our brand name Malco to be synonymous with help supporting solutions and quality," Rich said. 

Programs like The Malco Group’s Head of the Class allow instructors to recognize outstanding students, while SkillsUSA provides opportunities for contractors and manufacturers to connect with future tradespeople. Rich said these initiatives help establish trust early in a worker's career and reinforce Malco's commitment to training, support and professional development. 

By maintaining a presence in schools, trade programs and industry events, The Malco Group aims to support workers from their first experience with tools through the entirety of their careers. Swing by Booth1376 at METALCON to get a look at the Malco Groups’ latest innovations in making jobsites more efficient.  

As labor challenges continue, partnerships between manufacturers, educators and contractors may prove increasingly important for sustaining the industry's workforce pipeline. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about workforce development and contractor support. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Students apply classroom training, meet industry professionals and discover career opportunities in roofing. 

For students exploring the trades, understanding what a career might actually looks like can be difficult without firsthand experience. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips® sponsored by National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Chase Huang and Damien Holloway, student champions of the 2025 SkillsUSA roofing competition, along with their mentor Tim Stephens, vice president of Architectural Sheet Metal, Inc. They discussed how SkillsUSA helps bridge the gap between theoretical roofing education and job experience by moving education beyond the classroom and giving students a chance to practice their abilities in an industry setting. 

Tim explained that no description of a career can replace direct exposure to the work. Students may know they want to work in construction, but without experience on a jobsite, they may not consider roofing as an option. “Nothing takes the place of real-world experience,” he said. “You get your hands in it, and you can see, okay, maybe there is an opportunity that I never thought existed.” 

For Damien Holloway, the experience was valuable because students were evaluated by professionals rather than practicing only in front of an instructor. The competition also introduced participants to companies supporting the roofing industry through booths and demonstrations. 

That connection benefits contractors as well as students. Contractors can observe participants installing the same types of systems their teams work with every day, while students can ask questions, explore potential employers and better understand what companies are looking for. 

The experience is worthwhile even when a participant does not win. According to Chase, the event gives students the opportunity to prove themselves as professionals. “I would say for students, SkillsUSA is one thing lifetime experience. If you have ambition, it's time to prove your talent and skills. All I can think of is the pros and the I will highly, highly encourage you students to go,” he said. 

By providing students with the chance to practice their skills in a hands-on environment, they are empowered to take ownership over their learning and future careers. The opportunity to test their skills while also learning from mentors and peers provides valuable feedback that will guide them moving forward. Whether students confirm that roofing is right for them or discover a different direction, they leave with meaningful real-world experience.  

Listen to the full podcast learn more about how SkillsUSA connects education with real-world roofing careers.

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. 

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.

As vital industries face critical labor shortages, 15 student leaders step up to champion the next generation of the skilled workforce our economy depends on.

With the American economy facing a widening skills gap — marked by millions of essential, high-paying technical jobs left unfilled — SkillsUSA has officially announced the election of its 2026-27 National Officer Team. Composed of 15 exceptional career and technical education (CTE) students, this team will serve as the national face and voice for over 444,000 student and educator members shaping the nation’s future skilled workforce.

The skills gap remains one of the most pressing challenges to U.S. economic stability, impacting critical sectors from manufacturing and clean energy to healthcare, infrastructure and cybersecurity. As traditional four-year degree pathways face shifting demographics and rising costs, SkillsUSA’s newly elected student leaders are stepping into the spotlight to prove that technical education is a significant driver of economic security and corporate innovation.

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, these 15 national officers will engage directly with corporate partners, trade associations and federal policymakers to not only dismantle the stigma surrounding trade and technical careers but also advocate for investment and expansion of skilled training nationwide.

“These 15 student leaders are not just preparing for the future workforce; they are actively shaping it, serving as vital ambassadors for the career pathways our economy relies on to thrive,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “They have demonstrated an exceptional command of the SkillsUSA Framework—which balances technical competency with essential workplace and personal skills.”

The national officer team was elected by student members serving as the SkillsUSA House of Delegates at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held June 1–5 in Atlanta. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of nationwide candidates, these students represent the next generation of the skilled workforce.

The 2026-27 SkillsUSA National Officer Team

High school division officers

• Robert Emrich – Texas
• Christian Galindo – Tennessee
• Brayden Hayes – Texas
• Katelyn Kessler – West Virginia
• Noor Khan – Georgia
• Dheeraj Kudikala – California
• Daniel Levashki – New Jersey
• Mariyana Lords – Massachusetts
• Brody Pettipas – North Carolina
• Jyotsna Subramanian – Arizona

College/postsecondary division officers

• Cyna Centeno – New Mexico
• Curtis Muecke – Wyoming
• Brendan Peterson – Utah
• Emma Schwantes – Wisconsin
• Rachel Worthen – Oklahoma

Beyond individual division responsibilities, members from both teams will collaborate on the SkillsUSA Joint Executive Council (JEC) to align high school and college/postsecondary workforce initiatives.

To qualify for national office, these students met rigorous academic and leadership standards within their home states before launching competitive national campaigns at the NLSC. The conference itself stands as the nation’s largest gathering of the future skilled workforce with 19,000 attendees featuring 115 industry-led competitions designed to test the exact skills required to close the employment gap.

Learn how these student leaders are shaping the future workforce.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 444,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.