If you’re a roofing contractor looking to hire new roofers this season, here’s some good news. The push is on to get more young people into the skilled trades. From government mandates to student outreach programs by our Gibson sales team, the word is getting out about the many benefits of working in the trades. And more and more young people are taking notice. 

Here’s what’s happening that could put some new roofers on your crew.

Gibson is pitching roofing careers to high school students

One of the ways that Gibson is helping our customers and roofing contractors is by doing outreach to schools in the neighbourhood. Gibson Sales Manager Roger Milne recently did a presentation for high school students in Lindsay. He talked to them about all the benefits of working in the roofing industry and explained the different fields they could get into.

Roger didn’t sugarcoat his message. He acknowledged that it’s hard work. But he made it clear that the financial upside makes it all worthwhile … with great pay and benefits. Plus, roofing and construction are skills that young people can rely on to always be in demand. 

New apprentice program lets students finish high school on the job

The Ontario government has launched a new apprentice program that lets Grade 11 students earn credits toward a secondary school diploma while they apprentice. So they can begin working toward their apprenticeships in skilled trades while still in high school. The program is designed to get students into the trades faster. 

Roofing companies looking for apprentices should check out ApprenticeSearch.com. This free online job search and matching platform helps employers offer apprenticeship trade positions in Canada. You can also learn about the Canadian Apprenticeship Service grants and free training for employers hiring first-year apprentices.

Students will need a trade or tech credit to graduate

Ontario needs to build thousands of new homes to accommodate all the people moving to the province. One of the ways the government is looking to make that happen is by encouraging more young people to get into the skilled trades. 

Beginning in September 2024, students entering Grade 9 will be required to take a course of “technological education credit”. The plan is that with more exposure to various trades, more students will choose careers in a skilled workforce. 

How Gibson is helping to fill the gap

We all know there’s a major gap in the skilled trades workforce. The roofing and building industry desperately needs more young people taking up the trades. You need more roofers on your crews. 

At Gibson, we’re committed to helping our customers and suppliers get the skilled workers they need to grow their business. Through our community outreach to local high schools and training efforts, we’re doing what we can to fill the gap.

For tips on how to recruit more roofers, check out this article: How NOT to be short-staffed during the busy roofing season.

If you’ve got suggestions on how we can help you recruit the roofers you need, give us a shout: info@gibsonsupplies.com.