Lessons from the World Championships of Young Roofers

By Dani Sheehan.

The World Championships remind us that roofing is more than building – it's building connections, sharing experiences and honoring a craft that spans the world.

In November 2024, the U.S. made its debut at the World Championships of Young Roofers hosted by the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) in Innsbruck, Austria. This marked the first time American teams competed in the prestigious global event, alongside the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) officially joining the IFD. As the only embedded media partner present, RoofersCoffeeShop® had a front-row seat to witness this incredible competition.

The competition provided an opportunity for U.S. teams to learn from their international counterparts. From varying building codes to unique materials and application techniques, the event revealed how roofing practices differ worldwide. Megan Ellsworth, our multimedia manager, shared their perspective: “Everything in Europe is so different – the materials, the measurement system and the application processes in many cases. Watching the low-slope teams keep their mop decks spotless and observing steep-slope teams handle slate with such speed and precision was incredibly inspiring.”

Lesson one: Roofing is more than a job; it’s an art form

One striking cultural difference stood out: the age and experience of European competitors. Everyone in the competition was under 28 years of age, but many of the participants had been honing their craft since high school. In much of Europe, vocational training begins as early as age 16, with students choosing a trade and dedicating themselves to it through apprenticeships and hands-on learning.  

Megan elaborated, “It was amazing to see all these young competitors with close to a decade of experience in their trade. Their artisanship and pride were evident in every detail, whether it was slate, metal or low-slope work.”

The freestyle portion of the competition, where teams created intricate designs using real slate, highlighted this sense of artistry. Teams from Switzerland, Germany and Austria stood out for their creativity and precision. Their work really showed the pride they take in their craft and the value of early, consistent training.

Lesson two: Pride builds community

The competition wasn’t just about skill; it was also about fostering a sense of community and pride in the trade. Megan observed, “What struck me most was how much the competitors’ families supported them. Many teams had parents and friends on the sidelines cheering them on, and you could feel the pride they had in their work. It reminded me that roofing is more than just a job – it's a craft, a skill and for many, a legacy.”

This familial and community support is a powerful reminder that roofing contractors are part of something larger. Continuing to build a culture of pride and encouragement in the U.S. roofing trade could inspire the next generation of roofers to see their work not just as a challenging, manual-labor job but as a meaningful career.

Lesson three: Global collaboration strengthens the industry

This year’s competition not only provided a platform for learning but also served as a call to action for our U.S. roofing trade. The NRCA’s membership in the IFD opens doors for more engagement with international peers. By learning from global practices – such as Europe’s emphasis on vocational training and precision – the U.S. can continue to elevate its standards and reputation in the roofing trade.  

The World Championships of Young Roofers wasn’t just about competition – it was about connection. It’s a chance to bring the global roofing community closer together, to share knowledge and to celebrate the importance of what we do. By embracing the lessons from Austria’s competition, the U.S. roofing community can inspire a new generation of professionals and elevate a craft that provides an essential gift to the world – shelter.

Read more about the competition and celebrate the next generation of roofers, or rewatch the live action from the event on our YouTube channel.