NRCA Highlights Roofing Career Opportunities at SkillsUSA

NRCA and industry partners are introducing thousands of students, parents and educators to roofing careers, highlighting strong pay, opportunity and long-term demand.

By Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Roofing Contractor, Tanja Kern, Senior Strategic Content Editor, Patricia Soto Servin, Strategic Content Editor

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is continuing its efforts to introduce the next generation of workers to roofing careers through its participation in SkillsUSA, the nation's premier skilled trades competition and workforce development event.

Speaking at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, NRCA CEO McKay Daniels said the roofing industry's presence has grown significantly since roofing became an official competition category about four years ago.

"We're here because we need to attract more young people to the industry," Daniels said. "Simple as that."

Daniels emphasized that the event is not just an NRCA initiative but a collaborative industry effort involving contractors, manufacturers and distributors from across the country. Industry partners support students throughout the year by providing materials, equipment and training resources needed for state and national competitions.

Beyond recruiting students, NRCA also uses the event to educate parents, teachers and career and technical education instructors about opportunities in roofing. Daniels noted that many trade schools and shop programs still do not offer roofing curriculum, creating an opportunity to expand awareness of the profession.

The goal, he said, is to challenge misconceptions about roofing and showcase the professionalism, skill and career potential the industry offers.

"Roofing is awesome, as we all know, but we've got to get that word out there better," Daniels said.

He highlighted the industry's strong earning potential, steady demand and resilience during economic downturns. With millions of square feet of existing roofing systems requiring ongoing repair and replacement, Daniels said roofing offers long-term career stability beyond new construction projects.

"The pay is tremendous. Job opportunity is tremendous," he said. "They can have an American dream-filling career in this industry."

As thousands of students explore career paths at SkillsUSA, NRCA hopes roofing earns a place alongside more familiar trades and becomes a first-choice option for future skilled workers.

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Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Roofing Contractor, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects roofing professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Patricia Soto Servin is a journalist with more than a decade of experience covering local communities across the U.S.

Originally from Mexico, she has focused much of her work on issues impacting Hispanic audiences, including public safety, immigration, and community concerns. She has reported on major markets like Atlanta and North Carolina.

At BNP Media, she covers the topics that matter most to Roofing Contractor readers, including industry trends, policy, workforce, safety, and innovation in roofing.