Apply to be an NRCA ProCertification™ Qualified Assessor
NRCA has announced NRCA ProCertification Qualified Assessor applications and materials now are available online at www.nrca.net/procertification.
NRCA ProCertification is the association's national certification initiative designed to create a competent, sustainable and high-performing roofing industry workforce. Experienced roofing workers who demonstrate their skills and knowledge through a series of assessments can become certified roof system installers in specific roof system applications and disciplines. Foremen and other mid-level roofing company personnel also can earn certifications.
NRCA ProCertification Qualified Assessors serve as the performance exam proctors for roofing professionals seeking installation certifications, evaluating and verifying NRCA ProCertification participants' hands-on skills. To become a Qualified Assessor, an individual must meet eligibility requirements, complete two self-paced online training modules and pass a proctored exam at a computer testing center approved by NRCA. Qualified Assessors can represent various sectors of the roofing industry, including manufacturers, distributors, consultants and contractors. Professionals who earn Qualified Assessor status gain access to NRCA ProCertification materials, including educational content, resources, documents and manuals; achieve professional recognition and Qualified Assessor digital badge certificates from NRCA; can charge NRCA ProCertification candidates an appropriate fee for conducting candidates' performance exams; and can expand their current business models by being available to assess NRCA ProCertification candidates.
For more information, call (866) ASK-NRCA and ask for NRCA's Certification Department or email QAsupport@nrca.net.
Many U.S. adults believe apprenticeships boost employability
In August, the American Staffing Association's Workforce Monitor® survey revealed 62 percent of respondents believe apprenticeships and other on-the-job training programs—rather than a college education—make job seekers more employable, according to www.hrdive.com.
Sixty-eight percent of more than 2,000 respondents say learning a trade would help a person get a job more than pursuing a bachelor's degree, and 69 percent believe a college degree has lost some of its value.
In addition, 71 percent of respondents do not believe completing an apprenticeship limits a person's future employment options, and 60 percent disagree with the idea that earn-while-learning programs generally lead to lower salaries than jobs requiring college degrees. Nine out of 10 respondents agree apprenticeships can lead to new careers, prepare people for jobs and allow people to learn interesting trades.
The number of U.S. apprenticeships reportedly is increasing, possibly as the result of the Department of Labor's (DOL's) push for such programs. According to DOL, only 27 occupations in the U.S. regularly use apprenticeships; however, apprenticeships have expanded beyond the trades and now are being employed in some white-collar fields.
Some employers have begun placing more value on job candidates' skills rather than their degrees and certifications and are using apprenticeship and training programs to prepare those who do not have the required experience for the jobs.
RT3 launches technology solutions directory
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the industry, has launched a technology solutions directory.
The RT3 Solutions Directory is a resource for the roofing industry to share and review software and other technology solutions. Software providers are encouraged to submit their information and recommendations at www.rt3thinktank.com. Solution users then can leave feedback to help others determine whether the technology is appropriate for their businesses.
"As a forward-thinking, progressive roofing contractor who embraces technology, the directory allows me to provide feedback on what has worked for my business," says Ken Kelly, RT3 board member and president of Kelly Roofing, Bonita Springs, Fla. "By sharing feedback on the different tech solutions in the directory, we hope to be able to help others in the industry make the right decisions regarding which technologies will be the right ones to implement in their businesses."
More companies join NRCA's One Voice initiative
NRCA is pleased to announce CertainTeed Corp., Malvern, Pa.; Duro-Last® Roofing Inc., Saginaw, Mich.; and Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., Deerfield Beach, Fla., have joined its One Voice initiative and upgraded their associate memberships to "partner members."
NRCA's One Voice initiative is a transformational approach to addressing the roofing industry's most critical issues and concerns—with one voice—to secure its future. NRCA invites manufacturers, distributors, architects, engineers, consultants and service providers to fully engage with NRCA as partners and actively address the industry's most pressing issues, including workforce and work certification; effecting change in Washington, D.C.; building codes and insurance; and increasing professionalism in all industry sectors.
Additional information about NRCA and its One Voice initiative, including a list of the 26 current One Voice members, is available at www.nrca.net/onevoice.
Contractors expect changes to accelerate during next five years
A recent survey found nearly 67 percent of contractors surveyed said the industry was going to change more during the next five years than it did during the past 50 years, according to www.constructiondive.com. The survey, "Managing Risk in the Digital Age," was conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and consulting and banking firm FMI Corp. and focused on contractors' perceptions of risk and how they believe the engineering and construction industries will change in the future.
Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they have faced risks related to shortages of skilled workers, and 67 percent said they have handled risks related to a shortage of qualified supervisory staff.
More than 90 percent of contractors reported the design documents they received were less complete than in the past. Forty percent said they planned to move design services in-house, and 80 percent of those respondents already had completed the shift or planned to do so during the next three years. Most construction companies said technology had not forced fundamental changes in their businesses, and less than 20 percent said technology was "aggressively disrupting their business models." However, the survey found companies that believe great change is on the construction industry horizon are six times more likely to innovate within their businesses.
Contractors also reported that many of the risks they currently face are not as insurable as traditional risks such as automobiles and workers' compensation. As a result, contractors are looking to the risk management industry to evolve to meet their needs, which could include professional liability insurance for design services and coverage for drones.
The construction industry has made some significant technological advances. For example, the market offered only one or two apps in 2011 compared with the more than 2,100 apps currently being offered. Technological advances, such as building information modeling, also have become more widespread and attainable for large and small companies.
Professional Roofing magazine website redesign is award finalist
NRCA is proud to announce Professional Roofing magazine's website redesign is a finalist for the 2018 Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards. Professional Roofing launched its redesigned website, www.professionalroofing.net, in January.
The Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards is the most prestigious and inclusive awards program in the publishing community. Each year, more than 2,000 entries compete to win in more than 200 categories benchmarking editorial and design excellence.
Winners and honorable mentions will be announced Oct. 9 at a celebratory gala during The Folio: Show in New York City.
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