Roofing Road Trips Podcast: Jared Ribble Part 2

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Jared explains everything you need to know about the NRCA ProCertification™ and Qualified Trainer Programs.

Jared Ribble is the current Director of Qualified Trainer and ProCertification programs for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).  In part two of his podcast, Jared continues his conversation with Heidi Ellsworth, RoofersCoffeeShop® partner, about the benefits of the ProCertification™ Program and the Qualified Trainer Program.  

NRCA has been committed to the success and professionalism of the roofing industry for over 120 years and nothing to date shows that commitment as much as the ProCertification Program that certifies rooftop professionals who excel in roofing installations. 

Of the 18 possible certifications through the ProCertification Program, three have been developed so far, including: Asphalt Shingle, Thermoplastic, and Roofing Foreman.  Thus far they have more than 200 installers in over 20 states. This program is a commitment. An application must be filled out, then workers complete a computer-based knowledge test, and finally they are matched with a qualified assessor who conducts a hands-on performance exam.  When complete, and all sections are passed, the certification is earned. Workers carry a physical card and a digital badge with a unique certification number.  

Having this certification helps, “...Raise the perception of your company, to separate that worker out from the pack, to give that worker pride, to give your consumers, your customers, a layer of confidence and protection,” Jared explains.  

Jared was visiting a company in the central United States and spoke with the owner about his workers getting certified.  The owner shared, “I ran the numbers and I’m getting these 10 guys certified. I had to run the numbers on how many sales it would take to get a return on this investment...I told two customers about my 10 guys that I’m certifying and those two customers, in one day, one day of sales, paid for the whole thing.” 

Having an in-house Qualified Trainer is a more cost-effective way to train new employees instead of sending them elsewhere to get training or sending them to trade school.  NRCA wants “...every company across the United States to have a qualified trainer inside their company...so when new employees come in they can pair up and that qualified trainer will teach and mentor the younger generation coming into your company.”  Jared talks about the two-day conference NRCA offers in order for workers to become a Qualified Trainer. Across the country there are approximately 140 Qualified Trainers.  

These certification and training programs are available to NRCA members and non-members.  There are multiple reasons to become an NRCA member besides the cost savings on training and certification initiatives.  NRCA is a place where the entire roofing industry can come together to tackle bigger problems. In doing that, roofers help each other with individual company issues.  Membership dues for NRCA go towards providing resources to members when technical or legal issues arise.  

“When you invest in your workers, you show them you appreciate their knowledge, skills and professionalism,” Jared shares.  Roofing companies that are working on certifications for their employees are demonstrating their commitment to quality, professionalism, and consumer protection while giving their company a significant competitive advantage. 

Listen to the podcast to hear more about the ProCertification Program and Qualified Trainer Program.  Check out the RoofersCoffeeShop® podcast page for even more.