What is CTE?

CTE stands for career and technical education. Students at CTE schools either specialize in a specific trade, such as carpentry, nursing or cosmetology, or explore several simultaneously.

Connect with a roofing contractor

NRCA's membership includes more than 3,600 companies from throughout the U.S., and they're eager to connect with schools in your area! Use this easy search tool to find nearby companies, and contact NRCA Director of Workforce Development John Esbenshade for help.

Connect with a CTE school

CTE Schools throughout the U.S. are currently educating 12.3 million students! Search below to find not only schools in your area but also specific contacts at those schools. Contact NRCA Director of Workforce Development John Esbenshade for more information.

Find a CTE partner.

NRCA EmpowerAll Scholarship applications open!

NRCA is proud to offer a scholarship program dedicated to providing a unique professional development opportunity during the 2025 International Roofing Expo^® in San Antonio, February 19-21, 2025.

This scholarship is available to roofing company employees who are in management or perform fieldwork. It is designed for a first-time IRE attendee to connect with manufacturers and suppliers, attend numerous educational programs and network with like-minded peers at the roofing industry’s largest event of the year.

Applicants are asked to complete a short application by Nov.8 and provide information about their roofing industry experiences and why they should be considered. NRCA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will review all applications and select three winners.

Scholarship package:

• IRE 2025 Super Pass (includes admission to all educational sessions, Expo Hall, Keynote Session, EmpowerAll Reception and Welcome Party)
• Hotel accommodations for two nights (Feb. 19-20)
• Roundtrip airfare (maximum $600)
• Customized show-site agenda
• On-site mentor provided by NRCA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Each recipient and his or her employer will be responsible for meals, transportation and incidentals while in San Antonio.

Applicant agrees to:

• Verify his or her employment by a roofing contractor
• Attend the 2025 IRE
• Connect with NRCA’s on-site mentor for a show floor experience tour
• Connect with NRCA staff to provide feedback about your experience

Employer agrees to:

• Provide paid time off for travel from Feb. 19-21

Apply today!

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of educators and trade industries aimed at building a future skilled workforce. Students compete in a series of regional contests that culminate at a national championship contest. There are more than 330,000 active SkillsUSA students and teachers in the U.S. with more than 100,000 students graduating and entering the workforce annually.

Learn more about SkillsUSA.

Roofing professionals

Other trades have relied on SkillsUSA as a pipeline system for new workers since the 1960s. SkillsUSA is one way for the roofing industry to improve the perception of the industry and directly recruit students committed to entering the trades. As an industry, if we were able to recruit even 5% of these graduating students, we would have more than 5,000 new roofing workers annually.

Learn more about SkillsUSA for roofing professionals.

Educators

If your school is already part of SkillsUSA, the roofing community would love to help you start a roofing program. Find a local contractor who can provide materials and hands-on instruction assistance. And NRCA can provide a curriculum free of charge!

To create an account for your school, contact NRCA Director of Workforce Development John Esbenshade.

Students and parents

There is a solid, exciting career to be had in roofing, and your career path could include being recognized for your accomplishments through professional certifications. Above and beyond the recognition, you will build wealth, be able to work outside and know your work protects people.

Although you do not have to attend a trade school to become a professional roof system installer, you will get a head start on your career if you have some knowledge and skills. Studying roofing in school also will give you an opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA.

NRCA can help you find roofing programs in your area and contractors eager to help you learn the trade. To learn more, contact NRCA Director of Workforce Development John Esbenshade.
 

Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE)

Connecting CTE to the workforce

ACTE recognizes that today’s marketplace requires students have the academic, technical and employability skills that business and industry is seeking. That’s why we have made career readiness a priority and are aligning our work with employer needs.

Coalition for Workforce Development through CTE

In partnership with Ford Next Generation Learning, ACTE hosts an employer-led Coalition that is working with us side-by-side to advise on our Association’s programming and advocate for CTE. The Coalition also helps to recognize employer leaders who are contributing to CTE’s health and success.

Learn more about ACTE.

Latest Podcasts

Kyrah Coker, Sara Donneys & Tim Wyka - Empowering the Future of Roofing

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth speaks with Kyrah Coker, a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) DEI Committee, Sara Donneys, a proud recipient of the Empower All Scholarship and Tim Wyka, President of Mile Square Roofing. Together, they discuss the impact of the Empower ...
Listen to the Podcast