Getting the next generation into the industry

RCS Influencer Patrick Cochran says being involved with your local workforce redevelopment board is beneficial.

From my personal experience I would suggest being involved with your local workforce redevelopment board. In Massachusetts, the state organization is called MassHire. There are multiple MassHire offices throughout the state of Massachusetts and each one focuses on their local area. I joined the board a few years ago, and it has allowed me an opportunity to understand what and where all the government funding is coming from for training existing and new employees. It has helped me build relationships with local municipalities and schools/colleges as well.

As a business owner, it is important to have a voice for the roofing industry on these types of boards. Getting our local leaders to understand the great initiatives in roofing like the TRAC training program, Pro Certification, SkillsUSA’s approval of roofing, Roofing Day in DC and how the industry is moving forward together to change stigmas and increase the attractiveness of the industry for the next generation.

Our company has also been building relationships with local high schools and colleges. These relationships have put us in contact with alumni who work at various places throughout our community as well. Explaining the roofing industry and all the new initiatives has allowed us an opportunity to work with schools and be considered when they are building out new programs for students that may not want to go to college. It has been great for building up our brand on a local level, and it has also helped us to understand the next generation entering the workforce better.

Overall, our goal this year is to increase our involvement in the current relationships we have built and expand into other local state and federal areas to represent the roofing industry and share our ideas and best practices as a company. We are considering getting involved or learning more about the Chamber of Commerce, and looking into other local, state and federal opportunities to volunteer and learn from in 2024.