Guiding the next generation across the skill gap

By Emma Peterson. 

Through the People Make Roofing campaign, McCormack Partners is building a more diverse and secure future for the industry.  

In Season 5, Episode 61 of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth crossed the pond to speak with Luke McCormack, the CEO of McCormack Partners. Luke grew up in Glasgow, Scotland and followed his father, who owned a contracting business, into the industry. He explains that he was lucky to have his father as an example, saying, “When he had his contracting business, I could understand why a project manager exists, why an estimator exists.” 

This personal experience allowed him to see a gap in the industry that he aims to bridge with his company, McCormack Partners. They are a recruitment provider and work to help contractors in the industry find qualified labor. Luke explains, “We help contractors who are struggling because of the skill shortage, the generation gap and the aging workforce.” Luke saw that underprivileged kids wanting work and the industry which wanted new workers were not connecting because of a skill gap. A skill gap, that if filled, would offer those kids a powerful opportunity. He explained, “It can stop that generational poverty going through as the roofer, the person, can bring stability to their family.” And in an industry where for every ten people retiring only one joins, creating these opportunities could secure the future of the industry.  

One way he is building these connections is through McCormack Partner’s “People Make Roofing” campaign. This campaign focuses on bringing in new blood to the workforce. Luke shared, “Getting away from this old, outdated perspective of roofing and shining a light on the reality of the array of roles, the career trajectories, the money that can be made, but most importantly, the people that make roofing.” Part of the initiative is reaching out to schools, speaking to students and helping them find their future in the industry. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the full episode to learn more about the People Make Roofing campaign and the future of the industry.