JOIN US IN BEATING THE SKILLED LABOR SHORTAGE!
Overcoming the skilled labor shortage in the roofing industry is imperative. Roofing is a specialized field that demands a high level of skill and expertise to effectively install, repair, and maintain roofs. A shortage of skilled labor in this sector not only poses a risk to the quality of workmanship but can also lead to compromised structural integrity, increased maintenance costs, and a higher likelihood of leaks and other issues. To address this challenge, the Florida Roofing & Solar Institute (FRSI) is committed to investing in training programs, providing internships and apprenticeships, and performing outreach initiatives to attract individuals to pursue careers in roofing.
OUR WHY
“Investing in skills today is not just a remedy for the skilled labor shortage; it’s a blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous tomorrow. By empowering individuals with the expertise needed in the roofing industry, we are not merely bridging a gap; we are building a foundation for sustained growth, innovation, and the strength of our workforce. Beating the skilled labor shortage is an investment in the talent that propels progress and the skilled hands that shape our future.”
– Brandon Villneauve, CEO & Founder, Florida Roofing & Solar Institute
INDUSTRY STATS
As the demand for new builds and infrastructure continues to grow in the United States, the roofing industry will expand.
Vocational skills are in very high demand and the pay is attractive, yet training lags woefully behind.
The United States roofing market reached a value of about USD 23.35 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of about 6.6% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach a value of around USD 41.50 billion by 2032.
Key factors shaping the industry’s future include shifts in housing market dynamics, nonresidential demand, eco-friendly roofing solutions, industry life cycle, and technological advancements.
According to the CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association, Reid Ribble, the public is unaware that the roofing industry is at the forefront of the sustainability movement, having pioneered zero-waste jobsite policies and developed “cool roofs” for energy efficiency. He says, “Fully one third of commercial roofs are actually white. These are clean roofs!”
In research conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, nearly 30% of all construction workers are non-U.S.-born.
Roofers, specifically, are 43% foreign-born. The exodus of non-U.S.-born workers has created a void. Demand for skilled tradespeople is high.
For decades, high schools have focused on preparing students for college education and white-collar professions rather than on vocational training and technical skills. Fortunately, the construction industry itself has been making inroads in setting up, sponsoring and/or funding apprenticeship programs to help bridge the gap between available jobs and the skills required to fill them.
RESOURCES
How to Overcome the Skilled Labor Shortage in the Roofing Industry, IKO
United States Roofing Market Outlook, Expert Market Research
The Future of the Roofing Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities, Better Business Bureau