Central Administration Building
601 South 8th Street
GAF Roofing Academy
Program Description
The GAF Roofing Academy offers a comprehensive certification program designed to prepare individuals for a successful career in commercial roofing. This hands-on training covers essential roofing skills, safety protocols, and industry best practices, equipping participants with foundational knowledge and experience needed for the roofing industry.
This program provides both classroom instruction and practical experience with GAF commercial roofing systems. Students will learn about roofing materials, installation techniques, job site safety, and career opportunities in the roofing trade. Upon successful completion, graduates will earn a GAF Roofing Academy Completion Certificate, making them competitive candidates for employment with roofing contractors.
Key Topics Covered:
- Introduction to commercial roofing systems
- Hands-on training with TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen roofing materials
- Roof installation techniques and best practices
- OSHA-compliant safety training and fall protection
- Roofing tools, equipment, and maintenance
- Job site preparation and project management
- Career pathways in the roofing industry
This program is ideal for individuals seeking entry into the commercial roofing industry. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn and work in a high-demand skilled trade.
Interviews and job-placement assistance will be provided for all GAF Roofing Academy completers.
Summer 2025 Program Details
- Application deadline: May 5th is the priority deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if there is space.
- Program dates: May 20-22 (Tuesday to Thursday). Program times are between 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Meeting location: 10111 S. Tacoma Way, Ste D-3, Tacoma 98499
- Notification of selected applicants: May 12
- Approximate hours to complete: 15
- Certification(s) offered: GAF Roofing Academy graduate
- Total spots available: 20
- Special considerations for this program:
- Open only to graduating seniors
- Guaranteed interviews
- Tools provided once placed in employment
- For additional information, please contact Jeff Klancke: jklanck@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Apply now
- May 5 is the priority deadline for GAF Roofing. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if there is space.
- TPS students must be logged into their TPS account to apply
- Applications take 15-20 minutes to complete
- Students will be asked to provide contact information for themselves and a parent/guardian
- Read the program description, requirements and dates prior to applying.
Roof Installer Careers by the Numbers
Roofing positions as your career progresses
Installation is just the beginning.
If you think installation is your only career option in roofing, think again. There are a lot of different ways to make a living in the industry. Best of all, your path is wide open to grow into positions at all levels.
| Entry Level Careers | Manager Roles | Executive Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Laborer: Assist roofing teams under the direction of a foreman or contractor Responsibilities: remove old roofing material, unload and stage equipment and materials |
Foreman: Oversee roofing crews and projects Responsibilities: managing crew members, crew safety, communicating with clients |
Owner: Oversee a roofing company Responsibilities: managing workers, speaking to clients, marketing, high-level project management |
| Delivery driver: Transport roofing materials Responsibilities: loading, transporting and unloading materials |
Supervisor: Manage a larger roofing team Responsibilities: scheduling, assigning, and demonstrating roofing work, inspecting work-in-progress and finished projects |
Salesperson: Selling roofing materials and products Responsibilities: communicate with homeowners or facility managers, roofing businesses, and construction companies |
| Warehouse Worker: Help maintain a warehouse facility Responsibilities: cleaning in and outside the facility, operating a forklift or other machinery, painting |
Project Manager: Manage each stage of roofing installation and repairs to finish projects on-time and within budget Responsibilities: project planning and cost analysis |
Estimator: Provide/lead estimating for larger-scale, commercial projects Responsibilities: taking measurements, inspecting existing roof material, investigating local codes |
| Installer: Install roofs on residential homes and/or commercial buildings Responsibilities: product installation, maintenance and repair work |
Service Tech: A highly skilled roofing mechanic Responsibilities: inspections and identifying leak sources |
Estimator: Provide/lead estimating for larger-scale, commercial projects Responsibilities: taking measurements, inspecting existing roof material, investigating local codes |