By Emma Peterson.  

IFD’s World Championship of Young Roofer brings together talented professionals from around the world to showcase their skills.

Since 1988, Internation Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) has invited young professionals from around the globe to compete in a roofing competition designed to test their skills on an international scale. Hosted roughly every two years in a different location, this competition tests their trade skills and knowledge in four different disciplines: Roofing, waterproofing, metal/industrial roofing and facade.  

The goal of this competition? As stated on IFD’s website:  

To promote the common international idea in youth and in the profession. To harmonise vocational training in the countries of the world. To show the achievements of the roofing trade in the participating countries. To make the public aware of the importance of the training performance of the roofing trade. To highlight the advantages of in-company training and to strengthen the respect for the professional work in the roofing trade. To promote the roofing trade. 

So, how do young roofers get involved in this event? Every country can send one team to the competition for each discipline. These teams are made up of two young roofers (under 28 years old during competition year) who have either won a national championship in their country or (if such a championship does not exist) are chosen based on skill by a national professional organisation of the roofing trade. The participants are only allowed to participate once in each category. 

Once chosen for the team, the young professionals will train and prepare for the competition under the guidance and supervision of an industry mentor. Not only can these mentors participate in multiple different competition years, but they are also encouraged to!  

All of this work culminates at the competition itself, where a jury of eight people elected by the IFD General Assembly assess the young roofers’ performance. No two jury members will be from the same country, and they may not be mentors. This jury will evaluate the different team performances based on seven criteria:  

1. Accuracy of execution  
2. Performance  
3. Cleanliness  
4. Utilisation of materials  
5. Craftsmanship  
6. Implementation of the required task  
7. Serviceability 

Based on these criteria, the panel awards gold, silver and bronze medals for the first, second and third winners in each discipline. There is also a fifth president’s prize competition where the board awards medals based on a free competition where participants show off their specialties. In addition to medals, winners receive a commemorative gift from the host country and a certificate of participation from IFD. For the world champion in each discipline there is an additional reward of an IFD challenge cup.  

The last World Championship of Young Roofer was held at Innsbruck in Austria in 2024. The next championship is planned for 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. Make sure to follow IFD to stay up to date on competition news!

Driving global collaboration through education, events and industry engagement.

RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS), the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, is proud to announce a new partnership with the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), bringing together two influential industry leaders committed to advancing the roofing profession through collaboration, education and innovation. 

This partnership will focus on promoting IFD’s global initiatives and events, including the Connection Forum taking place in October 2026 in Vienna, Austria and the Young Roofers WORLD Competition in October 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. Through this collaboration, RCS will help amplify awareness and engagement across North America and beyond, connecting roofing professionals to international opportunities and resources. 

As part of the partnership, RCS will be live on-site at the 2026 Connection Forum, delivering comprehensive event coverage through LIVE streaming, interviews and real-time content. In addition, RCS will present to attendees, sharing insights on industry trends, digital marketing and the growing importance of global connectivity within the roofing sector. 

IFD serves as a unifying force for the roofing industry worldwide, bringing together national associations, manufacturers and service providers to address shared challenges and advance best practices. With members that include leading organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Zentralverband des Deutschen Dachdeckerhandwerks (ZVDH) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), IFD plays a critical role in fostering collaboration across borders. By connecting professionals globally, the organization helps elevate standards, support workforce development and drive innovation throughout the industry. 

“Partnering with RoofersCoffeeShop is an exciting step forward for IFD as we continue to expand our global reach and impact. This collaboration allows us to better share the work we are doing to unite national associations, support workforce development and elevate roofing practices worldwide,” stated Gary Howes, IFD board member. “By working together, we are creating more opportunities for contractors, manufacturers and young professionals to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the future of the roofing industry on a truly international level.” 

One of IFD’s most impactful initiatives is the Young Roofers Championship, which highlights emerging talent and promotes the importance of skilled labor in roofing. By bringing young professionals together from around the world, the competition not only celebrates craftsmanship but also builds lasting relationships that support the future of the trade. 

“We are proud to partner with IFD to share their mission and promote their events that bring the roofing industry together globally,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president/CEO of The Coffee Shops. “The connection to the many national associations that are part of IFD is important for the future of roofing. They are bringing professionals and young roofers together to share best practices and encourage workforce development.” 

Through this partnership, RCS and IFD are reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in an increasingly connected industry. By sharing knowledge, elevating innovation and building relationships across continents, both organizations are helping shape a stronger, more resilient future for roofing professionals everywhere. 

For more information visit the IFD directory on RoofersCoffeeShop. 

About The Coffee Shops 

The Coffee Shops is the award-winning digital home of the roofing industry, delivering online communities that connect contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry professionals. Through platforms including RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop® and AskARoofer™, The Coffee Shops provide trusted information, education and networking opportunities. With a focus on supporting industry growth through content, technology and engagement, The Coffee Shops help roofing professionals build their businesses and stay informed in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 

About the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) 

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) is a global organization representing national roofing associations and industry partners dedicated to advancing the roofing trade worldwide. Through international collaboration, education and events, IFD promotes best practices, supports workforce development and fosters innovation across the industry. By connecting professionals from around the world, IFD plays a vital role in strengthening the global roofing community and elevating standards for the future.

The IFD exists to unite roofing organizations worldwide, share knowledge to address common industry challenges and protect and advance the collective interests of its members on a global stage. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) into their community. 

The IFD is the international umbrella organization of national roofing associations, with industry partners as associate members. It serves as a platform for national roofing organizations to exchange technical documentation, issue unified statements on key industry issues and develop practical recommendations, guidelines and educational resources for its members. 

In addition to being a global space for the roofing profession to come together, the IFD helps shape the future of roofing by contributing their own expertise to international technical standards and approvals, roofing research and innovation and collaboration beyond borders. A great example of the IFD's efforts towards these goals is their hosting of international roofing congresses and the World Championship of Young Roofers.  

Overall, IFD’s mission is to create a space for roofers on the global scale by giving contractors a seat at the table in international conversations about roofing and fostering collaboration and education across the industry. Not only does having this space help individual contractors succeed, it also contributes to the long-term strength of the roofing trade. 

For more information about IFD, you can contact Sabine Rothschuh (IFD general secretary), Dirk Bollwerk (IFD president), Gary Howes (US IFD board members) or Henrik Mosegaard-Johansen (IFD vice president). 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the IFD!

By Jenny Yu.  

Schechtl’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and youth education highlights the evolving future of metal roofing. 

At the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)’s Young Roofers Competition in Austria, Heidi J. Ellsworth had the opportunity to speak with Maria Schechtl, CEO and owner of Schechtl, along with Kristoff Jacob, sales director at Schechtl, about the company's journey to becoming a leading manufacturer of metal bending machines and plate shears.  

Started in 1910 by Maria’s ancestor, Josef Schechtl, Maria reflected on her role in the family’s legacy. “I'm the fourth generation, so it's a long history,” Maria shared. “We started with manual bending machines, and now we build motorized CNC-controlled machines.” 

Now headquartered in Munich, Germany, Schechtl has over 120 employees and sells its machines all over the world. MetalForming LLC in Peachtree, Georgia, exclusively represents Schechtl in the United States. “We started with MetalForming nearly 25 years ago,” Maria said of the partnership. “It’s not common to have these kind of bending machines, so we did a lot of work in the first years to explain to the customer how it works. Now, we have a very good basis and long relationship.” 

The global reach of this long-standing company made its presence at the Young Roofers Competition all the more special. For the event, Schechtl provided some manual bending machines that allowed the students to demonstrate their metal forming skills. “We are very proud to sponsor and give the young people the right equipment to get the best results for a very nice championship,” Kristoff said. “I want to wish my best to all the roofers in the US and also for the US team, that they can run a very nice championship here in Austria.” 

Maria echoed the warmth and enthusiasm for the international youth learning about the metal roofing trades. “All over the world, we don’t get as many craftspeople, so we have to make it nice and easy for them to have fun with this job by providing good machines and automation. That will be the future,” Maria expressed. “The idea of having young people from different countries traveling to have the chance to see something new is very interesting.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about Schechtl’s history and role in forming the future of metal.

By Jenny Yu.  

A self-proclaimed “roof fanatic” shares a global vision for educating the roofers of tomorrow. 

At the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) Young Roofers Competition, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with the event’s host, Hans-Peter Springinsfeld, owner of Springinsfeld in Tyrol, Austria, about his journey into the roofing industry, why education is so important and what he hopes the international landscape of roofing will look like going forward.  

Hans-Peter shared how he initially started out in the industry. “I got stuck in my dad’s little company in 1984 in flat roofing and decided it was good to stay,” he said. Since then, he hasn’t left. After his father experienced an accident, Hans-Peter took over Springinsfeld at age 22, only three years after joining the company. Now, he has passed the trade down to his own kids, who have in turn founded their own roofing company. “We are roof fanatics,” he expressed. 

This enthusiasm trickles down to how Hans-Peter approaches education in the field through apprenticeship, a dual-education program for students. “Young people starting with 15 years in the craftsmanship work in the company, and they visit school for 10 weeks per year,” he explained. “We pay them during that time. We pay for their dormitory and food, and they learn about theory, how to do special details.” 

According to Hans-Peter, about 85% of companies are made up of only five or so people, making training a burdensome task and a hefty expense. “If you don’t have a school or an apprenticeship, there is a big loss every time someone leaves the company or retires,” he stated. “We need that knowledge, and we need to give it to the next generation.” 

This passing down of knowledge from generation to generation is Hans-Peter’s ultimate vision for the future of the industry. “When I die, if I take my knowledge with me, then my life will be completely worthless,” he shared. “I want to tell these young people what I experienced. They have to make mistakes, and we have to give them the chance to make mistakes, but at the end, they’ll start with a much better base than the generation before.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about Han's vision for young roofers.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

As U.S. teams competed alongside international peers in Austria, the event became a living example of how respect, workforce development and global standards are shaping roofing’s next generation. 

From the competition floor at the Student Competition in Innsbruck, Austria, Heidi J. Ellsworth shared candid conversation with industry professionals from the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD),  National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and a first-time U.S. delegation backed by Durable Slate, KPost Roofing and Waterproofing and Global Roofing Group. 

Hosted by the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), the Student Competition brings young roofers from around the world together to test their skills against shared international standards across multiple roofing disciplines. For the first time, a U.S. delegation supported by NRCA and industry sponsors joined the field, stepping into a highly structured environment designed to measure not only technical ability but professionalism, organization and care for the worksite. 

Before anyone picked up a tool, the work was logistical, emotional and human. Flights, buses, schedules, coaches, sponsors and young competitors trying to sleep in a new country before an eight-hour day under judges who measure everything from precision to the way a workspace is kept. Jon spoke about the process, noting the complexity of bringing so many moving parts together. He shared, “At the end of the day I was, as I affectionately say, I was herding cats and they are the best cats in the world and we brought it all together and I breathed a big sigh of relief when everyone was tucked into bed Sunday night.” 

What he framed as humor pointed to something more practical. Bringing young roofers into a space like this takes intention, coordination and care, long before competition begins. By the time teams stepped onto the floor, the groundwork for learning, growth and comparison was already in place. 

From above, the competition moved steadily, with each task governed by clear rules and time limits. The U.S. teams rotated through low-slope, standing seam metal and slate and tile assemblies, often working with European tools and materials they had not used before. Jon watched the floor as teams worked at different speeds, all measured against the same standard. He shared, “Team USA's greatest skill we have courage and we are inquisitive and we are learning as we go.” 

By the second day, conversations around the competition began to shift. Between long hours on the floor and informal discussions off camera, Jon returned to a central reason NRCA chose to engage internationally through IFD: workforce development depends on how the trade is valued. For him, the competition was not just about skills, but about signaling what roofing can offer to the next generation. Jon shared, “Roofing respect; its seed bed is in the home. What do you want your children to be? They say, ‘we want them to be respected. Kids don't grow up to become roofers, they don't grow up saying I want to be a roofer.’ One of the reasons for that is we don’t respect our roofers as we should.” 

In Innsbruck, that idea took physical form. The competition showed what respect looks like when it is built into standards, expectations and shared craft, offering young roofers a clearer pathway and contractors a stronger model for attracting and keeping talent. 

Watch our interviews to learn more about how NRCA and IFD are using international competition to build workforce pathways and raise roofing respect in the U.S. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The International Federation for the Roofing Trade continues to foster craftsmanship, education and pride for roofers worldwide. 

During the Young Roofers Competition hosted by the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), industry leaders gathered to showcase skills, exchange knowledge and reinforce the value of roofing as a respected profession worldwide. 

Pascal Civati, general secretary of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade, emphasized the organization’s role as a connector across borders, materials and systems. “We are, as a main task, a network platform, but what we are trying to do is organize all over the world a certain standard of how the work has to be done,” Pascal said. “We are working on guidelines which we distribute all over, and we are organizing the World Championship where we gather the young roofers to make them proud and spread the pride of the roofers themselves.” 

The competition highlighted how roofing techniques vary by climate, region and tradition, yet shared learning remains central. Pascal noted how competitors openly observe and adapt from one another. “The competitors look to the others to see how they're doing. They try to copy it because the same problem is all over the world, across different standards and different climates,” he said. “You can take the positive and the negative, and just to accept the positive ways so it can be an improvement all over.” 

Beyond competition, the IFD focuses on elevating roofing as a long-term career path. Pascal pointed out that workforce shortages make skilled roofing professionals more valuable than ever. “There is more than enough work all around the world because there are not enough craft people,” Pascal said. He commended the next generation of roofers, saying, “The perspective of the young people is really great and financially wise. It is a bright future.” 

Watch the interview to hear more insights on global roofing standards, workforce development and international collaboration!

By Emma Peterson. 

Tracking the career of fifth-generation roofer and industry leader Graeme Millar.  

Roofing has been in Graeme Millar’s ancestry for as long as anyone can remember. It goes back to a man named William John Miller, who started a family firm in 1868. That man was Graeme’s great, great grandfather and the firm is now known today as Bain & Irvine Ltd. To learn more about Graeme’s familial ties to the industry and his personal experiences, we interviewed him.  

He opened the conversation by telling us a bit more about his personal history in roofing, sharing, “I first became involved in the roofing industry 46 years ago. I followed my father’s footsteps. He in turn was following my grandfather, great grandfather and great, great grandfather’s footsteps.”  

Eventually, that path then took Graeme to the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). He shared, “My involvement with [IFD] started in 1999 when my company joined into the U.K. IFD branch. Soon I found myself working the committee for the Scottish region (where Graeme’s business is located) and then I became a board member.” As a board member, Graeme served on five separate technical commissions – metal roofing, pitched roofing, flat roofing, facades and the health/safety/wellbeing board. 

By the time 2019 came around, he was a clear choice for the organization’s presidency position. As then outgoing IFD president Walter Bisig put it, “Graeme is the right person to step into my shoes. He inherits an internal IFD structure that is ready to grow the organization. With his charm and vision, he is the right person to take the IFD forward.” 

As president, Graeme faced a variety of unique challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. But he and the rest of the IFD team rose to meet these challenges, and he was able to pass the presidency torch on to Dirk Bollwerk in 2024. When asked to about his thoughts on his work with IFD, Graeme shared:  

IFD is really about bringing people together. You can see that emphasis on networking and community in our yearly assembly, and in our World Championships of the Young Roofer, which bring lads and lasses learning the trade together, building camaraderie, skills and friendships that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

Listen to our full interview with Graeme to hear more about his insights and experiences.

By Emma Peterson. 

How the IFD supports roofers worldwide through connection, shared standards and next‑generation training.  

The Internationale Föderation des Dachdeckerhandwerks (in English known as International Federation for the Roofing Trade or IFD) was originally founded in 1952 with the simple goal of creating a space for roofing professionals to exchange knowledge and insights. In the decades since then, they have established themselves as a leading organisation for the worldwide roofing industry. They are driven by their mission, which states:  

The purpose of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade is to serve as a permanent bond between its members, to study common professional problems and to derive from them knowledge for individual members or the organisation as a whole and to safeguard and support the common economic, business, technical, social, cultural and other professional interests of the members at international level.  

To learn more about how they pursue this mission, we interviewed current IFD president Dirk Bollwerk, president of ZVDH. Dirk has a long history in the roofing world, with experience in roofing, sheet metal and carpentry.  

When asked about the work IFD conducts, Dirk highlighted three special focuses:  

1. Networking: The original goal of IFD from the 1950s is still key to their operations today. As Dirk put it, “One of the main things IFD focuses on is networking. It is a place for roofers all over the world to come together.” By bringing professionals from all different regions together, IFD is able to see the common issues roofers are facing and provide resources that can help individuals build their businesses.  
2. Standards: Another big emphasis for IFD is pushing the industry forward. Dirk explained, “We do a lot of work with training guidelines. We have roofers from all over the world and each region has its own standards. What we do is make sure that everyone knows the same rules so we’re all succeeding.” 
3. Training: And last but certainly not least, Dirk mentioned the work IFD does to train and inspire the next generation. He highlighted their World Championship for Young Roofers, “This event really elevates and supports the young people who are excited, motivated and loving their job...Yes there is only one gold medal but everyone here is winning by getting an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.” 

To learn more about IFD, check out our full interview with Dirk!

The IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade.

From 22 to 25 October 2025, the international roofing community gathered in Bratislava for the 73rd Annual Congress of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). The event opened on Wednesday evening with a warm welcome reception, where delegates from many countries met in a spirit of international friendship.

The following two days (23 and 24 October) were dedicated to expert presentations, future-oriented discussions and global collaboration.

On Thursday evening, the Slovak Roofing Association hosted a traditional Slovak dinner – a lively highlight featuring local cuisine and music that fostered intercultural exchange. The gala dinner at the Reduta Concert Hall on Friday marked the festive conclusion of the week.

IFD Congress: Future topics, dialogue and presidential transition

The two-day IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade.

After opening remarks by Walter Bisig (IFD president) and Eduard Jamrich (president of the Slovak Roofing Association), as well as greetings from the city of Bratislava, the IFD presented updates on its ongoing projects and strategic developments.

International speakers provided valuable insights and practical perspectives on the future of the trade:

• “Façade of the future” – Wolfgang Häußler, FVHF e.V.
• “Climate change challenges for pitched roofs” – Ernst Gregorites, PREFA GmbH
• “Sustainable solutions for existing flat roofs” – Marc Niewöhner, Triflex GmbH & Co. KG
• “Green roofing” – Werner Venter, ZinCo GmbH
• “Successful strategies for attracting young talent in Germany” – Ulrich Marx & Rolf Fuhrmann, ZVDH e.V.

During the General Assembly on 24 October, Walter Bisig (Switzerland) handed over the IFD presidency to Dirk Bollwerk (Germany) after a successful term of office. The transition symbolized continuity and commitment – two experienced leaders sharing a strong dedication to international cooperation in the roofing sector.

Gala evening at the Reduta: Transition, appreciation and international friendship

The gala dinner at the Reduta Concert Hall was the social highlight of the week. Walter Bisig and Dirk Bollwerk jointly opened the evening, underlining a spirit of partnership and continuity within the IFD.

Eduard Jamrich, president of the Slovak Roofing Association, warmly welcomed all international guests.

In a moving speech, Henrik Mosegaard Johansen, IFD board member, paid tribute to outgoing president Walter Bisig, honoring his long-standing commitment and contribution to global cooperation.

The evening provided a festive atmosphere for personal encounters, cultural impressions – and the celebration of the IFD Awards 2025.

IFD Awards 2025: Excellence from the global roofing community

Nearly 100 projects from around the world were submitted for the IFD Awards 2025 – a prestigious international recognition of outstanding achievements in the roofing trade. The awards honor superior quality, craftsmanship and creative solutions.

“This year’s submissions once again demonstrated the diversity and creativity of our trade – and how closely innovation and tradition go hand in hand,” said Sabine Rothschuh, general secretary of the IFD.

The jury selected the best projects in four categories:

Façade

1 - Battle of Don Memorial Site (Appreggio Bt, Ervin Király and BH Metall Kft., Hungary)

2 - National Széchenyi Library Archival Center (Pilisi Pléh-Boy Kft., Hungary)

3 - Kovács Katalin National Kayak-Canoe Academy (Horex Kft, Bauer Bádogos és Szigetelő Kft., Hungary)

Flat roof

1 - SFH K. (Spitzer Gesellschaft m.b.H., Austria)

2 - Whinfell Forest Center Parcs, Subtropical Swimming Paradise (Central Group, United Kingdom)

3 - Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum (Aruna-Ehitus OÜ, Estonia)

Metal roof

1 - Logan County Courthouse (The Durable Slate Company, USA)

2 - Reconstruction of the former Red Cross Headquarters (Pilisi Pléh-Boy Kft., Hungary)

3 - Reduta, Bratislava (SiQiS-S, s.r.o., Slovakia)

Pitched roof

In this category, the jury awarded three equal first prizes – a clear sign of the exceptional standard of the entries:

• Christ’s College Cambridge (Claude N Smith Ltd, United Kingdom)
• Restoration of Saint Helena Cathedral (The Durable Restoration Company, USA)
• Detached House Dentling (Schmid Dachbau GmbH, Germany)

Sponsors

• Premium Sponsors: VELUX, Wienerberger, KJG
• Sponsors: Triflex, Fleck, Riwega, Fakro, Prefa

About the IFD

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) unites national roofing associations and companies from the construction industry. It promotes quality, safety and education in the trade and regularly organizes international congresses and the World Championship for young Roofers.