GAF training and hiring mega event transforms lives in Baltimore

Event launches new careers in residential roofing, commercial roofing and roofing sales for 80+ residents.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, hosted a four-day GAF Roofing Academy and Job Fair in partnership with North American Trade Schools, providing no-cost, hands-on training and direct access to employment opportunities in the roofing industry. 

Participants received training in one of three specialized tracks: residential/steep-slope roofing, commercial/low-slope roofing or roofing sales. More than 80 Baltimore residents graduated from the course which concluded with an on-site job fair, where attendees met with GAF-certified contractors and other employers actively hiring for full-time roles, including the team from the local GAF-Baltimore shingle manufacturing facility.

GAF Roofing Academy is a tuition-free, national training program that aims to help individuals of any background, especially underrepresented groups, including transitioning military, justice-involved individuals, women, at-risk youth and more, build the necessary skills to get an entry-level position in the roofing field. The training combines in-classroom and hands-on training and does not require previous experience to participate.

“Programs like the GAF Roofing Academy give our students real-world skills and an immediate pathway into the workforce,” said Justin Mathis, building trades director of North American Trade Schools. “This kind of partnership is exactly what our community needs to help individuals find stable careers and make a lasting impact.”

Since launching the free training program in 2020, more than 4,400 individuals have been trained and of those more than 2,500 have been placed into jobs. 

For more information, visit: www.gaf.com/roofingacademy.

About GAF Roofing Academy

Conducted by GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, the GAF Roofing Academy is designed to help individuals build the necessary skills for an entry-level position in roofing. GAF Roofing Academy is a free, national training program that combines in-classroom and hands-on training to teach students the fundamentals of residential and commercial roofing installation, solar, in-home sales, and restoration. The course is open to anyone - no previous construction experience is required - and puts an emphasis on untapped talent pools, including veterans, justice-involved individuals, at-risk youth and women.

Once the week-long training is completed, graduates have access to job opportunities with GAF’s national network of thousands of independent, certified contractors seeking talent. Since launching the free training program in 2020, more than 4,400 individuals have been trained and of those more than 2,500 have been placed into jobs

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products, and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.