Training and Education are Imperative to the Success of a Company

RCS Influencer Rudy Gutierrez says that certifiable education will be of utmost importance.

At Shell Roofing Solutions, we support any education program that allows for employee self-development. We encourage our team members to pursue high learning.

Currently we are involving our team members in the NRCA Pro-Certification™ program.  This program is going to allow our employees to show their roofing expertise by earning certifications in multiple roofing system installations.  As a company we are benefit with higher retention and the ability to share those certifications with our customers.

As a an NRCA Board member, I can validate that the amount of work that has gone into this program.  It is enormous but if we are going to improve the professionalism of our industry and retain our employees, we must have strong training, education and the ability to show certifiable proof of the talent of our roofers.

For this month’s influencer topic, I would like to share with you information from the NRCA website at www.nrca.net:

Through a series of assessments, NRCA will certify workers who have met all the requirements for each type of roof system installation allowing them to earn professional credentials. NRCA also will be certifying foremen and other mid-level roofing company personnel.

The goals of NRCA ProCertification™ are to:

• Create a career path for industry field workers
• Elevate the roofing industry to be on par with other trade professions that currently offer national certifications
• Address the workforce shortage by making the roofing industry more appealing
• Protect consumers by providing national, professional certifications for those doing work on their home or building
• Educate consumers on the value of hiring an NRCA ProCertified roof system installer
• Increase consumer confidence that workers have the knowledge and skills to do the job well

Certifications, offered in English and Spanish, include:

• NRCA ProCertified Thermoplastic Systems Installer (e.g., TPO, PVC)
• NRCA ProCertified Asphalt Shingles Installer
• NRCA ProCertified Roofing Foreman

The roofing industry is constantly evolving, and as you look for ways to grow your business, you also need to find ways for your workers to grow. This holds true for existing, experienced workers and new employees. Labor shortages and worker retention continue to be a struggle in the roofing industry, and NRCA is helping you address this issue through ProCertification.

When you invest in your workers, you show them you appreciate their knowledge and skill sets and want them to have successful careers with your company. By certifying your workforce, you demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, quality and your employees' futures while also providing your company with a significant competitive advantage.

Additional benefits to certifying your workforce include:

• Strengthened customer and supplier confidence
• Increased productivity
• Consistency of installation (fewer problems and callbacks)
• Improved safety
• Enhanced reputation and position in your local market(s)
• Increased profitability

When you consider all the benefits of certifying your workforce, you quickly realize it can dramatically and positively affect your company.

There always will be a strong demand for people who can install roof systems properly and safely. Roofing work allows people to work with their hands to build and create roofs—the single most important component of a home or building that is essential to protecting customers' most valuable possessions. NRCA ProCertification provides experienced roofing workers the ability to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and become certified by NRCA in specific roof systems installations. Professional certification offers workers the opportunity to take pride in and be recognized for their skills and expertise—recognition that can stay with them forever. The demand for skilled roof system installers is real, and the opportunities are limitless.

Additional benefits of becoming an NRCA ProCertified installer include:

• National, professional achievement and recognition
• Certifications and badges stay with workers throughout their careers
• Increased knowledge and confidence
• Expertise and skills independently validated by NRCA
• Increased employer confidence and, potentially, pay
• Pride in professionalism

Download the Quick Start Guide for Roof System Installer and the Quick Start Guide for Roofing Foreman to learn more about getting started on the path to certification.

Rudy Gutierrez is president and CEO of Shell Roofing Solutions. See his full bio here.