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Kingspan acquires IB Roof Systems

Kingspan, Kingscourt, Ireland, an organization focused on advanced insulation and building envelope solutions, has announced the acquisition of NRCA member IB Roof Systems, Grapevine, Texas.

IB Roof Systems offers PVC membrane solutions for low-slope roof systems, working with roof consultants and building designers to directly supply complete roof systems, including insulation and accessories, to contractors.

This acquisition is Kingspan’s first in the U.S. single-ply roofing space. It coincides with Kingspan’s investments in Oklahoma and Maryland to manufacture TPO membrane and polyisocyanurate insulation board, enabling the broadening of IB Roof System’s offerings and supporting its future growth.

Jason Stanley, CEO of IB Roof Systems, will continue to lead the business and retains a 10% shareholding.

“I am proud of the legacy our family has built at IB Roof Systems and am truly excited about the next chapter,” Stanley says. “Kingspan’s culture and customer focus strongly aligns with IB Roof Systems’ values. The coming together of the two businesses opens up considerable opportunities to grow our PVC systems market share and to broaden our solutions offering.”

Benefits of expanding professional development opportunities

A recent survey from the National Fire Protection Association shows professional development is trending up with more than half of workers planning to participate in more training than in 2023 and 42% planning to increase the number of certifications they earn this year, according to Construction Executive. Additionally, 24% of respondents expect to see employers allocate more of their budgets to training.

Because many tradespeople already see the value in credentials and on-the-job learning, it is crucial construction employers increase access to these opportunities. Construction Executive shares the following benefits of doing so.

• Prepare for a digital future. Deloitte®’s 2024 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook shows sustainable practices and technology advancements are the factors most likely to shape the construction industry. However, as the industry boosts its digitalization, workers will need training regarding how to best leverage these tools in their daily work and the role technology plays in improving outcomes. The NFPA survey found 70% of workers expressed interest in trying new and diverse tools on job sites.
• Gain a competitive edge. Training and certifications are crucial in shaping workers’ career paths and setting them up for long-term success. The hands-on nature of the skilled trades and the speed at which techniques and tools are changing makes ongoing reskilling and upskilling a must. Training and upskilling will always benefit workers as they aim for high-demand jobs and a competitive edge. Ongoing training and career opportunities also can be a factor in enticing the next generation of workers to the skilled trades.
• Improve work and work environments. Quality of work is a priority in construction. The NFPA survey found by reskilling or upskilling, 52% of workers increased their confidence and 32% also felt safer with the tools and processes being used on job sites. Additionally, 28% of respondents expect digital technologies to boost the overall quality of work by increasing collaboration and communication and improving the accuracy and safety of daily operations. Digital training can help ensure employees are competent in managing construction projects safely and in compliance. Additionally, digital training for workers can improve safety and performance and make professional development more accessible because workers can train anytime, anywhere and at their own pace.

Survey shows workers and CEOs face mental health challenges

A recent Businessolver survey shows half of workers have experienced a mental health issue during the past year, according to Safety+Health magazine. Additionally, 55% of CEOs reported having a mental health issue during the past 12 months, which is up from 31% the previous year.

On behalf of Businessolver, a benefits and human resources technology company, researchers surveyed more than 3,000 workers, CEOs and human resources personnel.

The survey also found 60% of female respondents said they experienced a mental health issue compared with 40% of male respondents. In addition, nearly twice as many Generation Z respondents (65%) reported a mental health issue compared with baby boomers (38%).

Ninety percent of all respondents agreed it is important for senior leadership to openly discuss mental health issues. However, 81% of CEOs, 72% of human resources workers and 67% of employees agreed or strongly agreed that organizations “view someone with mental health issues as weak or a burden.”

“We commend the CEOs who took part in this study for approaching it with honesty and openness, particularly given the persistent stigma that surrounds mental health,” said Businessolver President and CEO Jon Shanahan. “The more leaders are in touch with and willing to share their own struggles, the greater opportunity for empathy across the organization.”

NRCA’s mental health resources are available at nrca.net/resources/safety/mentalhealth.

How to introduce students to a career in the trades

A 2024 study conducted by Associated Builders and Contractors reports the construction industry needs an additional 501,000 workers to meet market demand, and an Associated General Contractors of America survey reports 85% of construction firms say they have open positions they are actively trying to fill, according to Construction Executive.

Various factors have contributed to the labor shortage as projects of a larger scale continue to increase, skilled workers are retiring and interest rates for projects and supplies remain high. As a result, companies are looking to students to help address the issue.

Although young people are becoming more interested in the construction industry, companies are trying to find ways to introduce students to construction careers and educate them regarding the benefits of working in the industry.

In a Construction Executive article, Skanska USA Building, New York, suggests construction companies implement the following initiatives:

• Discovery days. These designated days give students the opportunity to experience real-world applications of construction skills. Hosting students from nearby school districts, neighboring colleges and trade schools can help companies find local talent. You also can take students to active job sites and provide safety orientations.
• Start speaking. During student-focused events, host a panel for students to engage with industry experts via an interactive question-and-answer session. Include leaders and employees from different segments of the company so you can demonstrate the numerous career paths construction offers. You also can share success stories, getting students’ attention by showcasing employees with unique career trajectories and highlighting the potential for success. Be sure to introduce employees from various backgrounds who have excelled in the industry.
• Career fairs. Connect with schools to host trade-focused career fairs where students can interact with industry professionals. Set up a booth and provide information about internship or apprenticeship programs, job opportunities and potential career paths. Develop networking sessions that allow students to speak one-on-one with industry professionals so they can ask questions, exchange contact information and seek advice.
• Job shadowing. Allow students to shadow on a job site for a day, observe daily tasks and ask questions so they can see the realities of the industry.

Virginia Tech launches construction safety major

The Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Blacksburg, Va., part of Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, has introduced its construction safety leadership program, according to Construction Dive.

The new major came out of rising industry demand for construction engineers with a safety-focused mindset, says Brian M. Kleiner, professor and director for the Center of Innovation Safety, Health and Well-being at the Myers-Lawson School of Construction.

Made up of five core courses, the program focuses on leadership skills and knowledge and highlights topics such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, safety hazards, safety culture and the future of the construction industry.

“The major focuses on creating a culture where safety is not seen as a cost-prohibitive negative but a productivity-promoting element that brings workers home safe each night,” Kleiner says.

More information about the program is available at mlsoc.vt.edu.

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