The Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCASoCal) proudly supports the establishment of two important CTE programs involving roof-installation training. The first program is for high schoolers through SkillsUSA; followed by a postsecondary level beginning with the Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (BPACE) located in Baldwin Park, Calif.  

With an endowment from Baldwin Park-based Highland Commercial Roofing and HCI Equity Partners, RCASoCal established a workforce development fund dedicated to supporting these two important programs.

In May, the RCASoCal added to this fund with the donations raised at its Clays for a Cause clay shooting event, and it will be the primary fundraising event supporting this new initiative going forward.

The goals for the SkillsUSA program are to introduce roofing in school districts in each of the counties the organization serves. Continued support will consist of help with contractor mentorship, hands-on materials, tools, and financial backing for the students to attend the state and national competitions. The first contribution was at the April 2024 State Skills USA Competition in Ontario, Calif. Members of RCASoCal contributed to the expenses for the winner to head to Atlanta to represent California in the national competition.  

The BPACE is seeking qualified roofing professionals to teach roofing classes. The community education center will offer a first in the state CTE roofing course offered at a nationally recognized school in Los Angeles County. Roofers will assist with the tools, equipment and supplies needed for the classrooms, plus helping with opportunities for special presentations. Once classes begin this October, this pilot program can be rolled out to educational centers throughout California. The organization's continued financial support will extend to scholarships for roofing education at this school.

"Motivated by this sobering statistic that for every five that retire from the roofing industry, only two are replaced, RCASoCal’s goal going forward is to use our Workforce Development resources to expose more students to the opportunities the roofing industry has to offer," said Vickie Sharples, RCASoCal's executive director. "We are so excited to help bring roofing industry education and respect to Southern California and joining the country with recognition for our great industry."