SkillsUSA 2026 highlights roofing’s next generation

By The Coffee Shops.™ 

Roofing found energy, talent and momentum at this year’s event.  

The roofing industry made a strong showing at SkillsUSA 2026, and the takeaway was clear: the next generation of skilled tradespeople is ready to get to work. Held during the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, the event brought together students, educators and industry leaders for hands-on competitions, career exploration and workforce development. More than 19,000 people attended, and 7,000 students competed in 115 contests, showing just how much energy and opportunity is surrounding the skilled trades right now. 

Students bring confidence and curiosity 

In a conversation from the show floor, Heidi J. Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Lauren White of RoofersCoffeeShop® shared what stood out most at this year’s event. For Lauren, who has attended SkillsUSA competitions for the past three years, it was the students themselves. “They’re making eye contact with you. They’re asking you thoughtful questions. They’re shaking your hand. They’re not looking at their phones,” she said. “They’re happy to be here. They’re happy to have good conversations.” Across the event, students from a range of trades were eager to learn more about roofing and where a career in the industry could take them. 

That curiosity matters. Lauren said students were asking questions like, “Tell me more. Tell me about roofing,” which showed how much impact a simple conversation can have. Karen heard a similar theme while interviewing students, many of whom talked about how SkillsUSA helped them build confidence and push past their comfort zones. That willingness to try, learn and grow is exactly what makes SkillsUSA such a strong pipeline for the trades. 

The size of the event reinforced that message. The championships filled the Georgia World Congress Center, a venue that features more than four million square feet of meeting and event space and relied on nearly 2,000 industry volunteers to support the competitions. On the roofing side, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continues to expand the industry’s presence through the commercial roofing competition, which featured 22 competitors this year. 

The Roofing Pavilion keeps growing 

Lauren pointed to the Roofing Pavilion as one of the clearest signs the industry is serious about workforce development. “Our roofing pavilion gets bigger every year, and it always makes a statement,” she said.

This year, the pavilion showcased more parts of the industry, including tile and metal, giving students and visitors a broader look at the opportunities available in roofing. “They’re really trying to pull in all aspects of roofing, and all types of roofing to show what’s possible in the industry,” Lauren said. 

One industry, one opportunity 

That broader industry support is a big part of the story. NRCA emphasizes that contractors, manufacturers, distributors and trade groups all have a role to play by supporting local programs, donating materials, showing up at competitions and building relationships with schools. 

That spirit of collaboration came through clearly in the conversation. As Heidi put it, “It’s not just contractors, it’s not just manufacturers, it’s not just distribution. It’s all of us. One voice. One industry.” At SkillsUSA, that message feels real. Students are not just watching from the sidelines. Many are already networking, interviewing, and, in some cases, getting hired before the event concludes. One student competitor shared that he had already received additional offers while attending the competition, a sign that employers are paying attention. 

For an industry facing ongoing labor shortages, SkillsUSA is more than an inspiring event, it’s part of the solution. “It’s not only a feel-good experience, but also real solutions for our workforce and labor shortage,” Heidi said. Her message to contractors was simple: “If you’re a contractor, get involved.” Lauren suggested a practical first step: attend a state competition, spend time getting to know students and instructors, and start building relationships locally. 

That local-first approach is one of the best ways roofing companies can strengthen their workforce pipeline. Getting involved with nearby schools, supporting curriculum and showing up at competitions as volunteers, trainers or sponsors can make a real difference, both for students and for the future of the industry. 

And the winners are... 

High school 

• First place: Mason Miller from Larned High School in Larned, Kansas 
• Second place: Nathan Lutz-Santos form Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Tennessee 
• Third place:  Austin Gibson from Golden Strip Career Center in Greenville, South Carolina 

Post-secondary level 

• First place: Sean McWilliams from Alfred State College-School of Applied Technology 
• Second place: John Prophete from Orange Technical College – West Campus in Ocoee, Florida 
• Third place: Adam Thornton from Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia 

By the end of the week, one thing was obvious: SkillsUSA 2026 was more than a celebration of talent. It was proof that roofing’s future is already taking shape. The students brought skill, professionalism and curiosity. The industry brought opportunity, visibility and support. Together, they created the kind of momentum that can open doors, launch careers and strengthen the trades for years to come. 

Watch the full wrap up video live from the Roofing Pavilion at SkillsUSA: 

Check out the full playlist of interviews to hear about SkillsUSA from the students themselves!