GAF Helps 80+ Baltimore Residents Launch New Careers

GAF hosted a four-day GAF Roofing Academy and Job Fair in partnership with North American Trade Schools, providing no-cost, hands-on training and direct access to employment opportunities in the roofing industry. 

Participants received training in one of three specialized tracks: residential/steep-slope roofing, commercial/low-slope roofing, or roofing sales. More than 80 Baltimore residents graduated from the course which concluded with an on-site job fair, where attendees met with GAF-certified contractors and other employers actively hiring for full-time roles, including the team from the local GAF-Baltimore shingle manufacturing facility.

GAF Roofing Academy is a tuition-free, national training program that aims to help individuals of any background, especially underrepresented groups, including transitioning military, justice-involved individuals, women, at-risk youth and more, build the necessary skills to get an entry-level position in the roofing field. The training combines in-classroom and hands-on training and does not require previous experience to participate.

“Programs like the GAF Roofing Academy give our students real-world skills and an immediate pathway into the workforce,” said Justin Mathis, Building Trades Director of North American Trade Schools. “This kind of partnership is exactly what our community needs to help individuals find stable careers and make a lasting impact.”

Since launching the free training program in 2020, more than 4,400 individuals have been trained and of those more than 2,500 have been placed into jobs. 

For more information, visit: www.gaf.com/roofingacademy.