Students receive classroom and hands-on instruction covering roof installation and replacement, leak detection and repair, preventive maintenance, storm damage assessment, roofing materials, proper use of tools and residential and commercial roofing systems.

Every student also earns an OSHA 10 Construction Safety certification as part of the program.

Hands-on training includes constructing roofing mock-ups, practicing installation techniques and flashing details, completing repairs and working with roofing materials commonly used in Southern California. The curriculum also emphasizes communication, teamwork, professionalism and work ethic.

Baldwin Park is seeking greater involvement from roofing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry organizations. Jimenez said companies can support the program through guest instruction, product demonstrations, internships, recruiting events and employment opportunities.

Those partnerships also give students exposure to current materials, technologies and industry practices while creating a direct connection between contractors and prospective employees.

"The roofing industry offers outstanding career opportunities with competitive wages, advancement into leadership positions, and pathways into estimating, project management, sales, inspections, and business ownership," Jimenez said. "Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education is committed to helping students build those careers while providing the industry with well-trained, motivated employees."

The program currently meets Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education’s main campus in Baldwin Park, Calif.

More information about the program is available through Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education.