UP TO THE MINUTE
Education & Learning
Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. New Workforce Pell Grants could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers. A long-supported workforce initiative championed by the roofing industry is moving closer to reality and it could provide meaningful opportunities for contractors looking to build stronger crews for the ...
Texas contractors are invited to explore what’s working in roof coatings
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. For Texas contractors looking to expand services, strengthen margins and better serve property owners, this is a timely opportunity to gain insights and make valuable industry connections. As Texas contractors look for new ways to increase profitability, extend roof life and meet growing demand from property owners, ...
NRCA continues to advance roofing through workforce, advocacy and safety initiatives
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Understanding key updates and insights on the initiatives shaping the future of roofing as I prepare to join the NRCA board in June 2026. One of the most important resources we have in the roofing industry are our associations. They bring contractors, manufacturers, distributors and service providers ...
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 ...
UP TO THE MINUTE
