The roofing and construction industries are at a crossroads. With an aging workforce, growing demand for sustainable building solutions, and increasing legislative pressure to build greener, the success of our industry depends on meeting future employment needs. Federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), passed in 2023, have spurred demand for greener buildings, making it clear that without a skilled workforce, the roofing industry will struggle to keep pace with innovation and sustainability. And the stakes are high due to weather events increasing in frequency and severity.

As President of Holcim Building Envelope, a leading manufacturer of roofing systems and solutions for the entire building envelope, I believe roofing manufacturers must actively shape the future workforce. Engaging in federal workforce initiatives, such as the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), supporting immigration reforms, and advocating for increased funding for technical education are critical steps to ensuring the industry's long-term success.

The Perfect Storm: An Aging Workforce and Rising Demand

The construction industry as a whole is facing a labor crisis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in construction occupations will grow by seven percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. However, the industry is already grappling with a shortage of qualified workers. This gap is expected to widen as many experienced roofers and construction professionals near retirement age. At the same time, the demand for sustainable building solutions is accelerating, driven by federal legislation like the IRA and the BIL, which are incentivizing greener construction practices. To meet the demands of these new policies and building practices, we need a workforce that is not only well-trained in traditional construction methods but also skilled in new technologies and sustainability practices.

These dynamics are creating a perfect storm for the roofing and construction sectors, where the need for a skilled workforce is greater than ever.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA, established in 2014, is a critical tool for addressing workforce shortages by providing federal funding for workforce development programs. These programs connect employers with qualified workers, offering training, education and job placement services. Reauthorizing and reforming WIOA through bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6655), and future versions of similar legislation, is essential for developing a skilled workforce, especially in sectors like roofing and construction that are vital to national infrastructure. Congress is considering this legislation, and our construction and roofing industry leaders and trade associations should be fully supportive.

With adequate funding, WIOA can connect young professionals with opportunities in the industry through partnerships with trade schools and apprenticeship programs. Manufacturers like Holcim Building Envelope can bridge the gap between education and employment by supporting these types of partnerships, however, we must advocate for WIOA’s reauthorization to ensure it meets the needs of the modern workforce and helps address labor shortages in industries like ours.

Reforming Immigration Policies to Help Fill Labor Shortages

Beyond domestic workforce development, roofing manufacturers can support immigration reforms that could help fill the acute shortage of skilled workers. Legislation like H.R. 3734, which introduces the H-2C visa system for non-farm workers, and further iterations of comparable legislation, aims to fill labor gaps by placing temporary workers with willing employers without negatively impacting U.S. jobs.

The roofing industry needs access to a reliable labor pool, and reforms like H-2C, alongside the E-Verify platform to ensure process integrity, can help bolster this workforce. Holcim Building Envelope supports these legislative efforts to help meet industry hiring needs. Working together with policymakers, we can build a diverse, skilled workforce to meet the construction industry’s challenges.

Increasing Funding for Technical Education

Another key aspect of workforce development is increased funding for technical education. Programs like the Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grants provide critical federal support for vocational training and apprenticeship programs at both the state and local levels. These programs are essential for developing the skills needed to succeed in the roofing and construction industries, from traditional roofing techniques to advanced technologies in green building.

Building industry leaders should advocate for more federal funding for career and technical education (CTE) at both the high school and post-secondary levels. Holcim Building Envelope fully supports efforts to increase CTE funding and partners with state programs to ensure the industry’s continued growth.

Holcim Building Envelope’s Role in Supporting Workforce Development

Holcim Building Envelope and our portfolio of brands – including Elevate™ Commercial Roofing Systems, Malarkey Roofing Products, and Duro-Last Roofing Systems – are committed to playing an active role in addressing the workforce challenges facing the roofing and construction industries. By advocating for the reauthorization of WIOA and related legislation, supporting immigration reforms to provide access to skilled labor, and pushing for increased funding for technical education programs like Perkins CTE, we can build a robust and diverse talent pipeline. This commitment extends to our involvement in initiatives like construction camps and skilled trades expos to foster interest in construction careers early on.

Specifically, Holcim Building Envelope and our brands support and amplify the work of organizations like SkillsUSA, the National Roofing Contractors Association, and National Women in Roofing, helping to drive initiatives that build a skilled, diverse workforce and promote growth across the roofing and construction industries. Partnering in these efforts is vital to developing the future of our industry, and we’re honored to contribute to this mission.

Increasingly complex roofing systems – designed to withstand severe weather such as high winds, hail, and fires – demand a skilled workforce. As natural disasters become more frequent, the performance of building materials and the competency of the professionals installing them are critical to protecting buildings and their occupants.

Collective buy-in to address labor shortages will help ensure our industry will have the skilled workers necessary to continue advancing long-term growth and sustainability.

Fellow manufacturers of building and roofing materials: please join us on this important journey.