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Education & Learning
Oregon SkillsUSA Competition spotlights the next generation of skilled professionals
By Jenny Yu. Participants say SkillsUSA helps them explore careers and grow beyond the classroom. At the Oregon SkillsUSA 2026 Competition, students from all over the state showcased their technical abilities, creativity and career readiness across a wide range of disciplines. From culinary arts to healthcare and engineering, competitors ...
SkillsUSA from the student perspective
By Emma Peterson. Three students from Oregon share their SkillsUSA experiences and stories. This year, Lauren White, editor of The Coffee Shops™, had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Oregon SkillsUSA state competition. SkillsUSA competitions are fundamental and valuable opportunities for supporting the next generation of tradespeople as they grow ...
Connection, competition and camaraderie: Inside RCAW’s annual trade show
By The Coffee Shops. Contractors, manufacturers and service providers came ready to learn, compete and connect, and RCAW’s annual trade show delivered. Amidst snow flurries, shingle competitions and interviews, the annual trade show hosted by the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) at the Muckleshoot Casino delivered what many attendees ...
SkillsUSA is building the workforce of tomorrow
By Emma Peterson. How SkillsUSA is preparing the next generation of roofing and construction professionals through competitions and conferences. The phrase “labor shortage” is far from unfamiliar for anyone who has been around the roofing sector or the larger construction trade. In fact, reports indicate that 36% of roofing contractors ...
The future is worth celebrating
By Dani Sheehan. SkillsUSA National Signing Day is a chance to celebrate the trades, encourage young talent and highlight roofing and construction careers for the next generation. From estimating and project management to installation, service and sheet metal fabrication, every successful business depends on individuals who are trained, motivated and ...
Spray foam industry builds momentum at 2026 convention
By Jenny Yu. The 2026 SPFA Convention and Expo brought together contractors and manufacturers to focus on education and growth. The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) 2026 Convention and Expo brought the spray foam industry together, drawing nearly 2,300 attendees and 106 exhibitors to Las Vegas for several days ...
Why SkillsUSA matters for the future of the industry
By Emma Peterson. Sherri Miles explains how SkillsUSA is creating a stronger talent pipeline for the roofing industry. Across the United States, SkillsUSA regional competitions are heating up in preparation for the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championship, which will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia this ...
Take your team to the top with Tremco trainings!
By Emma Peterson. Exploring the flexible training opportunities offered through Tremco University. With every design and construction professional having unique schedules, budgets, goals and learning styles, education is definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. In response to these diverse needs, Tremco CPG has launched Tremco University to the industry. This ...
Inspiring the next generation of roofers
By Emma Peterson. Learn how NRCA is supporting students like Shelton Horton’s interest in the roofing industry. The term “labor shortage” has become very familiar for professionals working in the roofing industry. There are reports that many companies are having to turn down jobs due to lack of labor and ...
Sharing the industry’s stories, feeling the momentum
From packed aisles and live demonstrations to soundstage interviews and meaningful conversations, WOC 2026 showcased the innovation and heart of the industry. World of Concrete (WOC) 2026 defined the scale and energy of the construction trades coming together this year. Our crew had the unique opportunity to be present at ...
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