With its new training facilities, the Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRSA) continues its dedication to educating roofing contractors in the Sunshine State.

With its recent relocation to new facilities, FRSA has acquired three training centers. There are two locations for hands-on training and product demonstrations — a 1,500-square-foot indoor training center and a 906-square-foot outdoor education area — and a 460-square-foot conference room for groups of less than 12 people. These centers come equipped with commercial LCD projects, screens and a laptop, as well as Wi-Fi and sound system, said Lisa Pate, CEM, the organization’s executive director.

“Education and training should be the focus of every successful contractor,” Pate said. “While technology has made our workplace more efficient, it’s only part of what’s necessary to succeed in the roofing industry.” For example, Pate said that building codes such as the International Code Council (ICC) base code, Florida Building Code (FBC) and the Energy Code are important to know, as is the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) codes. “Contractors also need to know if local municipalities can override the ICC or FBC,” she added.

Courses to be taught in the new training center are already being planned for the first half of the year. They include: Tripling Your Results Sales Seminar (Feb. 24), Renovate, Repair and Paint (RRP) Lead Certification 8-hour (Feb. 27), OSHA 10-Hour course (March 5-6), Renovate, Repair and Paint (RRP) Lead Recertification 4-hour (March 20 and April 14) and NRCA Roofing Industry Fall Protection from A to Z (May 7).

As part of its ongoing educational series, Pate said FRSA will be offering training for foremen, superintendents and mid-level management, as well as owners and young professionals. “Each of these groups has a preferred method of learning that works best for them, and we’re developing seminars to address those needs,” she added.

Programs focusing upon the various roofing systems — metal, shingles, built-up, steep slope and low slope — are slated to debut at the training center. These are being developed by members of the Educational Foundation, Young Professionals Council and the Codes Committee. Pate added, “The FRSA is working on seminars to address the upcoming fifth edition of the FBC, estimating for profit and roofing company marketing. We’re also teaming with industry manufacturers to offer product-specific training.”

Rental costs for the training center are $500 for a full day and $300 for a half day for FRSA members. Conference room rental costs come in at $200 for a full day and $100 for a half day. Nonmembers pay $600 and $400 to rent the training center for a full day and half day, respectively, while conference room fees are $250 for a full day and $150 for a half day.

“Our staff will take care of receiving and disposing of materials,” Pate added. “We’ll also be on-hand for assistance during meetings, seminars or product launches.”

To rent the FRSA training center for educational sessions, product launches, meetings or conferences, call Lisa Pate at 800-767-3772 ext. 157 or email her at lisapate@floridaroof.com. The FRSA also offers online seminars on its website, www.floridaroof.com/educational-foundation.

 For more information, visit www.floridaroof.com.