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The roofing industry’s workforce shortage is intensifying, putting greater pressure on contractors to attract, develop, and retain skilled talent. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers by the end of 2026 to meet demand, with that need expected to rise to 456,000 in 2027. Combined with a projected 6% growth in employment for roofers from 2024 through 2034, these workforce pressures make building and sustaining a skilled workforce a business imperative for contractors already competing for qualified talent.

Roofing professionals are also navigating evolving building practices, advances in roofing technology, growing homeowner expectations for performance and resiliency, and the day-to-day demands of running successful businesses. Addressing these needs requires a workforce development approach that supports roofing professionals through every stage of their careers.

To help address this challenge, GAF, North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has built a connected workforce development approach that supports roofing professionals throughout their careers, from their first introduction, to advanced technical training and business education. This comprehensive approach expands the talent pipeline, supports professional growth, and equips contractors with the skills and resources needed to succeed in a changing industry.

Building the Pipeline

A critical part of addressing the labor shortage is creating accessible pathways into roofing careers. The GAF Roofing Academy is helping meet that need through a tuition-free training program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on installation training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct connections to hiring contractors to help participants build practical skills and move quickly into the workforce.

"The GAF Roofing Academy opens doors to meaningful, lifelong careers," said Kimberly Santiago-Vega, GAF Roofing Academy Program Manager and GAF Roofing Academy alumna. "It helps contractors build the skilled workforce needed to meet growing demand, while empowering individuals to protect the places where people live and work.”

The GAF Roofing Academy is open to individuals of all backgrounds, including veterans, women, justice-involved individuals, and other underrepresented groups in the roofing trade. Since launching in 2020, the GAF Roofing Academy has trained more than 5,700 individuals through more than 480 classes in nearly every U.S. state, as well as Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. During that time, the program has helped place more than 3,200 graduates into roofing jobs nationwide, with an overall job placement rate approaching 60 percent.

"You don't need prior experience to succeed in roofing," said Jacob Radford, GAF Roofing Academy graduate and owner of Texas State Commercial Services. "The GAF Roofing Academy is almost like a roofing bootcamp. You'll learn a lot in a short time and come out better after it."

By eliminating common barriers such as the cost of training, lack of industry connections, and limited awareness of career opportunities in roofing, the GAF Roofing Academy helps participants transition from training to employment while expanding the industry's talent pipeline.

Advancing Skilled Talent

Bringing new talent into the industry is only part of the solution. As roofing systems evolve and contractors face increasing demands from customers, building owners, and regulators, ongoing education is essential to maintaining a skilled and competitive workforce.

Long-term success depends on helping roofing professionals deepen their technical expertise, adapt to emerging technologies, and strengthen the business skills needed to grow and sustain their companies.

GAF addresses these needs through the GAF Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE), which provides roofing professionals technical training, certification opportunities, and business development resources throughout their careers. Available in person, virtually, and on demand, GAF CARE helps contractors improve workmanship, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring roofing professionals stay competitive as industry standards evolve.

GAF CARE connects entry-level training with long-term professional development, creating a continuous learning pathway across every stage of a roofing professional's career. While GAF Roofing Academy graduates can continue building foundational skills through GAF CARE, experienced contractors can access advanced education in system performance, sales, leadership, and business operations.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Building a stronger roofing workforce also means recognizing that access to education and professional development must fit the real-world needs of today’s trade professionals. Delivering tailored programming without language barriers ensures that every roofing professional, regardless of background, can fully leverage top-tier training and business resources.

This approach is especially critical as Latino-owned businesses continue to represent a significant force in roofing, accounting for 21% of U.S. roofing contractors. Supporting their continued growth is an important part of strengthening the industry's future workforce and leadership pipeline.

Through its Latinos in Roofing program, GAF provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and business development programming designed to support one of the industry's largest and fastest-growing communities. Powered by GAF CARE, GAF hosts annual Latinos in Roofing Summits & Expos offering essential bilingual technical education and practical business-building resources—covering key topics such as lead generation, storm restoration, in-home selling, and emerging technologies.

By connecting participants with ongoing GAF CARE training programs and resources, GAF establishes long-term pathways for professional advancement, leadership, and business growth.

Preparing Contractors for What's Next

Expanding access to training and professional development is only part of preparing the industry for the future. As roofing materials, installation practices, and customer expectations continue to evolve, contractors also need opportunities to build specialized expertise to respond to emerging market demands.

One area of growing focus within the industry is resiliency and storm restoration. As severe weather events continue to impact communities across the country, homeowners are increasingly seeking roofing systems designed to better withstand extreme conditions. For contractors, meeting that demand requires specialized training and expertise.

To help roofing professionals address this growing market need, GAF offers FORTIFIED™ Roof training through GAF CARE as a result of its first-of-its-kind alliance with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Just one year after establishing the alliance, GAF has trained more than 1,100 roofing professionals in FORTIFIED Roof installation practices.

This milestone reflects both growing contractor demand for advanced technical education and the increasing importance of resilient roofing solutions for homeowners and communities nationwide.

“Seeing this level of engagement from contractors shows a strong commitment to elevating building standards,” said Mike Thomas, Senior Director of External Learning & Development at GAF. “By continuing to invest in contractor education and key alliances like our work with IBHS, we’re equipping contractors with the tools to make resilient roofing solutions more accessible to homeowners and communities across the country.”

Investing in the Future of Roofing

The future of roofing depends on more than filling today’s open roles; it requires sustained investment in the people who will lead the industry forward. By expanding access to training, creating opportunities for career and business growth, and equipping professionals with skills that evolve alongside the industry, GAF is helping build a stronger, more resilient workforce prepared to shape roofing’s next generation.

To learn more about GAF's workforce development and training programs, visit the GAF CARE Contractor Training Center.