Address the industry’s workforce shortages on Roofing Day!

By Dani Sheehan. 

The scarcity of skilled tradespeople poses a significant threat to the industry’s ability to thrive. By advocating for policy changes, we can make a difference. 

Are you ready for this year’s Roofing Day in Washington D.C. with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)? On April 16 and 17, 2024, roofing professionals will gather on Capitol Hill to advocate for important issues facing the industry. If you haven’t attended before, it’s an opportunity to become more involved by meeting with members of Congress to inform and inspire change.  

One pressing issue that demands our immediate attention this year is the workforce shortage. The roofing industry plays a pivotal role in providing affordable housing and maintaining critical infrastructure across the nation. However, the scarcity of skilled tradespeople poses a significant threat to our ability to fulfill these essential duties. 

Various factors contribute to this dilemma, including demographic shifts, systemic challenges in vocational education and training and disruptions in the supply chain. Consequently, there aren’t enough skilled individuals to install, manufacture and distribute the supplies or shelter that all Americans rely on. 

To combat this crisis, we are advocating for the following policy changes to provide solutions which will alleviate these workforce shortages: 

1. Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grants: We urge Congress to significantly increase funding for these state grants. By allocating more resources to enhance and expand vocational education, we can equip students with the necessary skills to bridge the workforce gap. It’s crucial to recognize that investing in CTE is an investment in our communities and the future prosperity of our industry. 
2. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Reform: We support A Stronger Workforce for America Act (H.R. 6655), the WIOA reform legislation that aligns with the roofing industry’s workforce needs and benefits both employers and workers. Congress should approve reforms in this bipartisan bill that streamline bureaucratic processes for small businesses, raise awareness of WIOA programs, prioritize competency-based training and establish efficient workforce boards that cater to local workforce demands. 
3. Immigration Reform Addressing Workforce Needs: The roofing industry endorses the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 3734), which proposes a visa system tailored to the demands of our modern economy. This bipartisan legislation offers a flexible approach, allocating visas based on economic conditions to address shortages while safeguarding employees’ rights. Additionally, we support measures to provide lawful permanent status to qualified individuals currently under Temporary Protected Status or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, enabling them to continue contributing to our communities. 

Registration closes March 29, 2024, so don’t delay! If you’re already registered, make sure to view the itinerary and learn more about the additional advocacy issues for 2024.