Raising the roof on talent

By Chloe Stambaugh, Marketing Associate, Leister. 

Young roofers prove the future of the trade is in skilled hands. 

Atlanta was buzzing with exciting energy this summer as the city hosted the 2025 National Leadership & Skills Conference, where students competed in the Roofing Skills Competition. A new generation of roofing talent stepped onto the national stage, tools in hand and focus locked in, ready to show their skills. Backed by Leister and guided by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and SkillsUSA, these student competitors weren’t just learning the ropes, they were mastering them. What unfolded wasn’t just a competition, but a blueprint for the future of the trade. 

A partnership years in the making 

The 2025 Roofing Skills Competition is the result of a strategic, multi-year workforce development initiative driven by NRCA in partnership with SkillsUSA. Since first collaborating in 2020, NRCA has worked to formally establish roofing as a recognized SkillsUSA competition category—building out the curriculum, technical standards and judging framework needed to support a national contest.  

Leister has proudly supported this initiative alongside NRCA and industry leaders, supplying tools, technical expertise and visibility to ensure that roofing is not only represented, but elevated, within the national trades education landscape. Our equipment plays a key role in both the competitive environment and the education of future roofing professionals.  

Inspiring the next generation 

This collaboration is about more than a single event – it’s about building a strong talent pipeline for the future of our industry. Through partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA, NRCA and similar learning experiences, the commercial roofing industry comes together to attract young people, raise awareness and highlight the dynamic career opportunities available in commercial roofing. 

Industry professionals engaged directly with students, instructors and employers by demonstrating advanced roofing and plastic welding technologies and sharing practical insights into real-world job applications. The goal is to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals and empower them with the tools, knowledge and mentorship needed to thrive in the field. 

Looking forward 

We are proud to stand with NRCA and SkillsUSA in their shared mission to elevate skilled trades education and expand career pathways. As this workforce development partnership continues to grow, Leister remains committed to providing support to help young professionals thrive. 

Together, we’re shaping the future of commercial roofing – one skilled competitor at a time. 

Original article and photo source: Leister