GAF Roofing Academy Hits Milestone of 3,000 Job Placements Supporting Demand for Skilled Trades

PARSIPPANY, NJ (June 8, 2026) — GAF, North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, today announced that its GAF Roofing Academy has placed more than 3,000 graduates in jobs nationwide. The tuition-free, no-degree-required training program prepares individuals for careers in roofing and helps address the industry’s critical workforce shortage.

The milestone comes as demand for skilled labor continues to grow. To meet the rising demand, the U.S. construction industry will need a 30.7% increase in labor in 2026. Employment in roofing, specifically, is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034. The GAF Roofing Academy directly addresses that gap, helping contractors find qualified talent while creating economic opportunity for workers entering the trades.

“The roofing industry is facing a real workforce challenge, and closing that gap requires programs that meet people where they are,” said Jim Durkin, Chief Customer Experience Officer at GAF. “The GAF Roofing Academy was designed to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers who will help create more resilient communities. Reaching over 3,000 placements is proof that accessible, hands-on training works.”

The GAF Roofing Academy is expanding the roofing sector by opening doors for individuals of any background, including veterans, justice-involved individuals, women, and other underrepresented groups in the roofing trade. The program blends classroom instruction with hands-on training in residential and commercial roofing, as well as in-home sales. Upon completion, graduates can interview with local GAF-certified contractors for full-time employment opportunities. Through this effort, GAF helps reduce barriers to employment and create pathways to long-term careers.

"You don't need prior experience to succeed in roofing," said Jacob Radford, GAF Roofing Academy graduate and owner of Texas State Commercial Services. "The GAF Roofing Academy is almost like a roofing bootcamp—you'll learn a lot in a short time and come out better after it."

Since launching in 2020, the GAF Roofing Academy has:

• Hosted 460+ classes across nearly all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
• Trained 5,400+ individuals in 170+ cities
• Achieved job placement rates of nearly 60%

"Programs like the GAF Roofing Academy give our students real-world skills and an immediate pathway into the workforce,” said Justin Mathis, Building Trades Director of North American Trade Schools in Baltimore. “This kind of partnership is exactly what our community needs to help individuals find stable careers and make a lasting impact.”

GAF's commitment to workforce development extends beyond the Roofing Academy. Through The Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE), the company offers ongoing education for contractors and roofing professionals, including technical training and business development resources. CARE helps improve workmanship, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring roofing professionals stay competitive as industry standards evolve.

For more info on upcoming classes or graduates available for hire, visit www.GAF.com/RoofingAcademy.