Rosemont, Ill.—The National Roofing Contractors Association recently joined SkillsUSA members nationwide to participate in 12 industry discussion panels as a professional development activity. The trade-specific discussions were hosted by SkillsUSA and held via Zoom to help students and teachers stay motivated and focused on future career paths during an unusual school year that is virtual or hybrid for many students.
On Nov. 18, more than 500 students at SkillsUSA schools participated in one of 12 simultaneous discussions—organized by career cluster—including architecture and construction, information technology, manufacturing and transportation.
The discussions connected students and teachers with business and industry professionals who shared insightful information about their industries. After an overview, students broke into smaller groups organized by career cluster for panel discussions that provided industry descriptions, as well as opportunities to ask questions; learn about trends, job outlooks and education needed for specific careers; and connect with successful industry role models.
“The opportunity to reach out and connect with these students about career possibilities in the roofing industry was invaluable,” says Alison LaValley, NRCA’s vice president of strategic partnerships and workforce development. “It’s imperative we continue to educate students and their influencers and advocate for roofing as their trade of choice.”
“This collaboration offers our members the information they need at a pivotal time in the career path decision-making process,” says Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “This program is especially exciting as we entered the 2020-21 school year in the context of a global pandemic that has affected education at more than 4,000 SkillsUSA schools nationwide. We are so impressed with our students as they strive to move forward with their education; many will graduate, and our goal is to ensure they are career-ready. We thank our industry partners who are always willing to step up and support student learning through our programs.”
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Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.