The Next Generation of Roofers Benefit from Hands-on Roofing Training

When looking to get involved in the trades, a helping hand can make all the difference. With so many options and opportunities to choose from, workers who are having trouble deciding which skills to develop can benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors and industry veterans.That's exactly the role Gary Pierson, a senior instructor with GAF Roofing Academy, knows he was meant to play. His position allows him to educate others and give back to people who remind him of himself when he was younger."I had a typical background of [many] youth who are not destined for college," Gary explains. "I had a little too much energy for most environments and ended up getting into a little bit of trouble." He found himself working in construction and discovered that roofing was a good fit for his energy level and "lack of fear."Gary excelled in the industry, working in numerous exterior construction roles including roofing, siding, windows, and doors. He says that in construction, he found a way to challenge himself, and it showed. "I went from laborer to crew leader to subcontractor and then started my own business by the age of 26," Gary shares.Finding Fulfillment Helping OthersUnfortunately, the 2008 recession affected Gary's business. He found himself back at his previous job where he was a crew leader, but that company was struggling as well. It was a challenging time that left him feeling unfulfilled.After talking with his wife, Gary learned a friend of hers was connected to Habitat for Humanity and began looking for ways to get involved with the nonprofit. He eventually became a construction manager, and while it was a pay cut for him, the benefits he reaped have changed his life."What I lacked in extra income, I made up with more time with family and got a sense of community again," Gary says. "I've lived in this town my whole life. So, I got to build homes for people I went to high school with, people that I've met through social networking, and knowing who I'm building for and seeing the changes they made in their life really made me a better father and husband."During his seven-year tenure at Habitat for Humanity, he took the organization from building one to two homes a year to 10 to 12 homes a year, ultimately building 57 homes in a community of 80,000 people.Connecting with GAFGary knew GAF donated roofing materials for the Habitat for Humanity homes, but it wasn't until he volunteered for a Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project (Carter Work Project) event in 2018 that he met GAF team members.On the jobsite, Gary noticed many of the volunteers were excited and eager to learn about roofing. Before the day's work began, Gary stepped up to teach them the basics of the trade, helping ensure the roofs would be properly installed and provide years of protection for the homes.It was then that Gary learned GAF was hiring trainers for its CARE program. He says he was surprised to learn such a job existed, but he was happy and fulfilled with his work for Habitat for Humanity. A few months later, Erick Osuna, an operations manager at the GAF Roofing Academy, reached out to Gary. After learning the academy would be teaching at-risk youth, previously incarcerated individuals, and military veterans, Gary jumped at the opportunity.Changing Lives One Student (and Instructor) at a TimeAs one of the first team members hired to teach in the GAF Roofing Academy, Gary participated in developing the program. Four successful years later, he's as invested as ever.Gary stays in touch with his students after they complete the academy and says there's a "beacon of light" in each of his classes. He notes that one of his most memorable students is Demetris Purnell, whose profile video he shares with each new class. "Demetris was one of my students that I met who was previously incarcerated, and he didn't really have a whole lot of hope or feel that there were opportunities available for him," Gary recalls. "Just seeing him taking a shot and how successful he is now is impactful."Many students' stories are just like Demetris'—students whose lives were changed by participating in the GAF Roofing Academy. For instance, Roz Jones says the experience helped her build confidence in herself. Shakyra Worley shares the course was meaningful to her because she learned a skill she can turn into a rewarding career.Gary says making a meaningful impact on his students' lives gives him a feeling of fulfillment every day—but he's quick to note that it's because of the individuals behind the GAF Roofing Academy. "None of this would be possible without the team that we have," he notes. "We have a dynamic team where everybody has something unique that they bring to the table. And I've learned just as much from my peers as I have from the leaders on the team."Paying It ForwardBecause of the commitment GAF makes to communities through its Community Matters initiative, Gary is still able to volunteer for the causes that are dear to him, including Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Work Project, among others.Curious to learn more about the GAF Roofing Academy and the success its graduates have found? The commercial and residential roofing industry is booming, with demand for 19,000 new jobs expected by 2028, and now is the perfect time to begin a career in roofing with the GAF Roofing Academy. Explore all that the program has to offer, and see how you can get started by visiting the GAF Roofing Academy website.

Training women in roofing and other trades can help strengthen the US economy by addressing the country's massive skilled labor shortage. On an individual level, skilled trade training can help improve women's lives."I was stuck doing a nine-to-five. I wasn't saving, I was just trying to survive," says Shakyra Worley. "One day, I had an epiphany: I need more for myself. I need to get out from being stuck."So, Shakyra enrolled in Edison Job Corps in New Jersey—a free, nationwide career training and education program for 16- through 24-year-olds—to learn carpentry. Through the Edison Job Corps program, she participated in the GAF Roofing Academy and learned the necessary skills to enter into the roofing trade.Learning a trade has helped Shakyra face her goals and challenges. She says it's also helped her be more confident, giving her life "more 'main character' energy."More Women Are Needed in the IndustryThe construction industry will be short 546,000 workers in 2023. The GAF Roofing Academy—started in January 2020—aims to address this challenge."We're training people from groups who typically wouldn't be in the industry to come in and fill the labor need," says Kimberly Santiago, training manager for GAF Roofing Academy. To date, more than 2,000 roofing students have been trained, with a 60% job placement rate after graduation.Increasing the number of women in roofing—a long-time male-dominated industry—is a goal for GAF. Women account for 46.8% of the US labor force, according to the US Department of Labor, but Kimberly notes only 3% of roofers are women. In contrast, "last year, women made up 13% of the Roofing Academy participants," she says. "When we bring strong, capable women into roofing, we diversify the field, bring different perspectives, and further the industry as a whole."Women are more than capable to handle traditionally male jobs. "I've had plenty of people who thought I wouldn't be involved in a trade with hard labor," says Roz Jones, a carpentry student at Edison Job Corps and recent GAF Roofing Academy graduate. "I'm able to tell them it comes to me naturally and for me, it's easy. [Learning a trade] makes me happy, and I think it motivates others to do something out of their comfort zone."Roofing Careers Benefit WomenLearning a skilled trade like roofing can provide women with long-term, reliable careers and opportunities for growth. Skilled trades pay well and provide job security since they're in high demand. This is important since 40.5% of working women are the primary or co-breadwinner for their families, reports the US Department of Labor. Plus, learning a trade often fosters personal growth in addition to professional opportunities.Professional GrowthThe free GAF Roofing Academy program helps participants—especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups—build the necessary skills for an entry-level position in roofing. The program also helps with job placement. GAF Roofing Academy graduates can "work as installers, in sales, in solar integration, even in commercial installation," Kimberly explains."Learning the roofing trade adds another tool to my toolbox," Shakyra notes. "Being able to protect someone's home means keeping them safe as well as making their home an actual home."GAF Roofing Academy has several partnerships, including with Edison Job Corps to recruit participants as students. "Job Corps provides young people, who might not otherwise have had the opportunity, to get into trades and higher education outside of college," says Lori Blake, career technical training manager at the organization. "We look to students in inner city and rural areas that don't have the opportunity to go to school. At Job Corps, they get job training, and they get it for free."The partnership is a fantastic fit. "We've had several Job Corps students graduate well prepared from GAF Roofing Academy, and they've been placed in roofing construction companies," Lori continues. "They come back and talk to currently enrolled Edison students about the GAF Roofing Academy, so those students will be inspired to get involved in roofing as well.""Opportunity led me to the Roofing Academy course," Roz says. "Building homes was one of the things I first thought about when entering Edison Job Corps. I'm excited to have roofing as a skill to help me build houses—not only for my family but for thousands of other families as well."Personal GrowthIn addition to creating career opportunities, learning a skilled trade can bolster confidence and build leadership skills, as it did for Roz."When I was a teen, I struggled with mental health. I actually never thought I would make it this far. People told me a lot of things I couldn't do, and I believed them. It held me back from a lot," Roz reflects.Enrolling in Edison Job Corps and learning a trade "was the first time I tried something new in my life," she says. At first, Roz was shy, but then, "I paved my own way and built my confidence. Being around the right people motivates me to be better. And it shows my family I have the capability to pull through and look out for them, too."Women Belong in the Roofing IndustryBeing a woman in a male-dominated industry "can be frustrating at first, but find your balance and where you fit in. There's nothing wrong with learning something new every day." The challenge of breaking into a male-dominated industry is one reason GAF Roofing Academy offers all-female roofing training courses taught by instructors like Kimberly."Having a female instructor was a great asset," says Shakyra. "It gave me more comfort in expressing myself because of Kimberly expressing her own flaws and trials she's faced in the industry."As a testament to her passion for the program, Kimberly became a GAF Roofing Academy instructor because she was a Roofing Academy student herself. "Being a Roofing Academy instructor brings everything I love together in one place: teaching, roofing, and giving back," she says.Kimberly, who holds a post-master's graduate degree in education, attended Roofing Academy courses in residential installation, commercial installation, solar integration, and in-home sales to help pursue a career in roofing. The skills and experiences she gained in the program helped give her the confidence and knowledge to start her own roofing company. "Prior to becoming a GAF Roofing Academy Instructor last year, my roofing team and I helped install or repair over 100 roofs," Kimberly shares.Women in Roofing Can Make a DifferenceAt the core of the Roofing Academy is building more resilient communities. Teachers get to help a new generation of roofers, students can pass on what they learn, GAF helps support graduates with job placement, and new roofers are able to make a tangible difference in the world."What I really like about the GAF Roofing Academy is that it supports people of all backgrounds and opens the door for them into a career in roofing," Kimberly says. In addition to the all-female training program, the Roofing Academy also trains under- and unemployed people, veterans, active duty transitioning military, at-risk and opportunity youth, and formerly and currently incarcerated individuals. "A diverse workforce benefits the industry," Kimberly explains.That spirit of providing opportunity is what can change the world. "It's important for me to protect people's homes," Roz notes. "When I see people out on the streets, it hurts my heart. I want people to feel safe. I think about how I can help. Being able to make sure there are enough homes for everyone and people have a roof over their heads, everybody wants that."Taking the First Step toward a New CareerIf you're considering a career in roofing, "go for it," Kimberly encourages. "If it's in your heart, and you have the passion and the drive, it's a very rewarding career. Once you get into roofing you never go back."For those worried about breaking into a new field, "never let someone tell you that you can't do it," Roz says. "It's all in the mindset and the way that you lead yourself. Just show people your full potential, and you'll never stop being great."Want to help build the next generation of roofers with GAF? Explore the curriculum and opportunities offered through GAF Roofing Academy.

The commercial and residential roofing industry is booming, with demand for 19,000 new jobs expected by 2028. Accordingly, now is a great time to begin a career path in the sector by enrolling at the GAF Roofing Academy. Hundreds of students have gone on to jobs in roofing after learning the necessary skills and gaining the required experience.One such graduate is Shakyra Worley, who notes the academy's tailored curriculum has benefited her life in several ways. We sat down with Shakyra to discuss how empowering it is to be a woman working in the male-dominated roofing industry, and how the new skills she's acquired will enable her to advance her career and maintain a stable and proud life.Q&A with Shakyra WorleyHi, Shakyra! Tell us a little about your background.I'm from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. I'm currently a student at Edison Job Corps, studying carpentry. I come from a house of three siblings, where I'm the baby of the family. My mom is a single parent, and she works for the Department of Health. She's a firm parent, but she's also very outgoing and protective.What inspired you to enroll at the GAF Roofing Academy?I was stuck doing 9–5 jobs and wasn't saving any money. And then one day, I had an epiphany: I needed more for myself! I wanted to get out of being stuck. So, I enrolled in the Edison Job Corps in New Jersey. I wanted to challenge myself to learn new skills and also enhance the ones I already have. What inspires me in roofing is working with my hands; that's very rare nowadays when things are mostly tech.What are you most proud of, having completed your training?I'm most proud of not giving up because, when I was younger, I was shy and always in the background. It felt good for me to get out of my comfort zone and I'm proud I did. Being a part of the carpentry/roofing trade helps me be more confident in what I'm doing and saying, as well as in facing my goals and challenges. This training will also give me the chance to teach and help others—that's a big part of me.What did the GAF Roofing Academy mean to you?Taking the course was meaningful because I was able to learn something that I can turn into a profession.What was one of the most important things you learned at the GAF Roofing Academy?I learned about the different aspects of a roofing system. Honestly, I didn't think it was as complex as it is!What does the roofing trade mean to you?Personally, learning the roofing trade is meaningful because I added another tool in my toolbox. I learned to put myself out there and to take a risk. Professionally, I think it's important to protect someone's home. Knowing how to protect someone's home means you can keep them safe, so where they live feels like an actual home.What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in roofing?This goes for really any profession, but do what you love. If you don't love what you're doing, you're going to be miserable.With respect to the roofing industry, firstly, always be safe. You're working with heavy-duty materials, so you want to always make sure you're being as safe as possible. Secondly, put your heart into it. And thirdly, always know the value of teamwork. Always remember that communication and teamwork are keys to success.How does it feel to be a woman working in a male-dominated industry?Being a woman in a male-dominated industry means a lot to me. Women can do everything that a man can do! But, honestly, it can be frustrating at times as there's friendly competition—and through that competition, I'm up mostly against males. It's important to find the balance and remember things will work out. Everyone has a different skill set and different assets they can bring to the table; that is why teamwork is so important.I had a female instructor, which was really inspirational. It was comforting to know that I could express myself without judgment, and it was inspiring to hear about the trials she faced throughout her career and how she overcame them.Hear more from Shakyra about her experience with the GAF Roofing Academy and Edison Job Corps:Building Your Career PathIf you're looking for a new line of work and are interested in pursuing a trade, roofing is worth considering. Explore the curriculum and opportunities offered through the GAF Roofing Academy, which combines classroom and on-the-roof training to help you build the skills needed for an entry-level position. The program also provides access to opportunities through the national network of thousands of independent, GAF-certified contractors. With numerous career paths and options available, now is the time to get involved.