Roofing Apprenticeship Program Continues to Expand

By Clay Thomas, Project Manager, Advanced Roofing, Inc., Instructor, ABCI Roofing Apprenticeship Program.

The ABCI Roofing Apprenticeship Program is in full swing, with locations in Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando and coming soon to Tampa.

I’m proud to be a part of a group that teaches these programs, along with Terry Tilson, Jim Carmeci, Mike Winant, Mike Jennings, Robby Staats and Mike Silvers, CPRC. All have been instrumental in challenging the apprentices to not only develop their technical skills, but also to broaden their understanding and application of business principles. David Baytosh has provided direction to bring consistency to the program across multiple classroom settings. The experience has been rewarding.

Orlando Roofing Apprenticeship Program Update

The first team of apprentices began their journey in December 2018 through the coordinated efforts of Career Source of Central Florida, Valencia College, FRSA and the ABC Institute (ABCI). These organizations joined with local roofing contractors to participate in the first nationally-accredited roofing apprenticeship program in Florida.

In September, the Orlando program began the third semester and is now midway through the three-year program. As they reach the midpoint of the program, it provides an opportunity to tie the basic concepts presented in the first year to more advanced systems training that helps them to discover the “why” behind the “how.”

The semester started with a general overview of low-slope roofing, which was highlighted by a hands-on Firestone TPO lab conducted by Pat Kurth. Classroom discussion included material properties, systems installation considerations, detailing and best practices. In the lab, students completed hand-welded seams, flashed curbs, worked on field wrapping pipes and operated a robot. The students benefited from Pat’s field experience and industry knowledge.

Mike Silvers, CPRC of Silvers Systems Inc. and Director of Technical Services for FRSA gave a great history of code development in Florida and reviewed provisions relevant to our daily work. Silvers noted that the Florida code went from a single, small-edition book to the current Florida Building Code which includes eight full volumes.

The Insulation module, Flat, Tapered and Crickets, reviewed common roof insulation types, associated “R” values, slope designations and application methods, as well as construction of crickets and saddles.

The Construction Math and Measurements module covered general construction math, roof slope, tape reading, stretch out and the roof take off process.

Mary Beth Reed of GAF detailed the process of how to obtain local and state level Florida Product Approvals and High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Notices of Acceptance (NOA). She also presented how to interpret the system requirements of various product approvals and reviewed the permit process as it applies in various areas of the state. Municipalities and counties have differing documentation requirements that must be met before a project can be started.

Jim Ripley of A/R/C Associates, a professional roof consulting firm, taught material and system testing requirements and their associated protocols. System uplift resistance and “in-situ” test methods were also discussed in detail. The apprentices appreciated his vast roofing knowledge.

To close out the semester, the Orlando class completed a steep slope shingle re-roof in partnership with Rebuilding Together and Harvest Time International (see page 44). A roof tear-off and replacement was completed that allowed the apprentices to apply the training they received on steep slope projects. The project incorporated concepts such as job set up, safety, take-off, estimating, codes, specifications, roof calculations and measurements, project management, flashing, metal application and wood replacement, as well as new shingle skills. The cooperation between fellow contractors, community agencies and the support from the industry is inspiring. Thanks to all involved who have made this vision a reality!

Ft. Lauderdale Roofing Apprenticeship Program Update

The ABCI Roofing Apprenticeship Program has been active in South Florida for six years and and has over 50 students currently enrolled.

Pat Kurth, Firestone Trainer, provided a great lecture and hands on demonstration of Firestone TPO systems installation for the South Florida group as well.

Shirad Ali, PE with ACRC gave an excellent presentation on the engineering and testing of roof products and assemblies. Laboratory performance testing and in-situ field testing were discussed. The testing equipment demonstrations were awesome.

The Decks and Attachments module included examples of different deck types and their classifications and characteristics, as well as common mechanically fastened and adhered systems anchorage methods. Additional modules covered the history of code development in Florida and reviewed code provisions relevant to daily work.

Uriel Soto and Mitch Young of Milwaukee Tool provided a presentation on power tool operation and safety. The awesome Milwaukee giveaways captured the class's attention. It’s great to have them as an ABCI partner company.

The team from Advanced Roofing, Inc. conducted the metals lab module. A special thanks to Pedro Flores and Tom Mahon who discussed metal identification, measurement, equipment operation and fabrication techniques. The lab included field flashing installation techniques. A soldering lecture and lab were also completed. Joint designs and soldering processes were detailed for copper, galvanized and stainless metals. We continue to be honored with great subject matter experts to help deliver the experience (I’m not shy to admit I have learned a lot while preparing to deliver these modules).

Above right is a photo from the 2019 Ft. Lauderdale ABCI graduating class. It was an impressive ceremony with family support that really highlighted the achievement these apprentices have made. The ceremony was held at the Signature Grand. Congratulations to Cursy Gerrie and Randal Stephen!

Another apprentice class was started in Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando in December, where new students completed the first 75-hour NCCER core semester during the day for two weeks – a great opportunity for new hires to learn the construction basics.

Interested in learning more about the ABCI Roofing Apprenticeship Program? Visit FRSA’s website at www.floridaroof.com/roofing-apprenticeship-program and learn how you can invest in your employees’, your company’s and the industry’s future.