GAF announced that its GAF Roofing Academy has surpassed 3,000 job placements nationwide, a milestone for the tuition-free workforce development program designed to address labor shortages in the roofing industry.

Since launching in 2020, the academy has trained more than 5,400 individuals through more than 460 classes held in nearly every U.S. state, as well as Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in residential and commercial roofing and in-home sales, connecting graduates with employment opportunities through local GAF-certified contractors.

According to GAF, the achievement comes as demand for skilled construction labor continues to rise. The company cited projections indicating the U.S. construction industry will require a 30.7% increase in labor in 2026, while roofing employment is expected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034.

“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. “Reaching over 3,000 placements is proof that accessible, hands-on training works.”

The program targets individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including veterans, justice-involved individuals, women and other underrepresented groups in the roofing trades. GAF reports the academy has achieved a job placement rate of nearly 60%.

In addition to the Roofing Academy, GAF supports workforce development through its Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE), which provides technical training and business development resources for roofing professionals.