GAF Adds Six Month SkillBridge Manufacturing Training

GAF has expanded its partnership with the DoW SkillBridge program with a no-cost, six-month manufacturing training program for transitioning service members. Qualified participants will gain hands-on experience at GAF manufacturing facilities while preparing for civilian careers after military service. The program operates at five facilities in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kansas, and Texas. Participants will be considered for open roles across GAF’s manufacturing network.

Training At Five Facilities

Participants train alongside GAF manufacturing teams, learning the company’s equipment, maintenance processes, and safety and quality standards. The program is offered in Myerstown, Pennsylvania; Michigan City, Indiana; Mount Vernon, Indiana; Newton, Kansas; and Ennis, Texas.

For employers seeking maintenance talent, the program creates a direct training route for people bringing military technical experience into manufacturing. A study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute estimates that U.S. manufacturing could need to fill as many as 3.8 million positions by 2033, with nearly half potentially unfilled. Industrial maintenance technicians are among the roles expected to be in demand.

John Barkhouse, CEO and President at GAF, said:

“Service members bring technical expertise, disciplined problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork that translate naturally to modern manufacturing. This program gives them the opportunity to apply those strengths in a working GAF facility, gain experience with advanced manufacturing, and prepare for their next career. It also allows us to invest in the skilled maintenance talent that will be essential to the future of GAF and American manufacturing.”

Building On Roofing Training

The manufacturing offering extends GAF’s existing work with service members pursuing skilled-trade careers. Last year, the GAF Roofing Academy earned accreditation to participate in SkillBridge.

Since launching in 2020, the tuition-free program has provided classroom and hands-on training in residential and commercial roofing to hundreds of service-affiliated participants. GAF reports that half secured roofing jobs following the training. The company has also worked with the Army Career Skills Program, Medical Evaluation Board Career Skills Program, NextOp, Work for Warriors, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Colorado Veterans Project, Team Rubicon, and Hiring Our Heroes.

More Support For Military Families

GAF also operates the GAF Community Contractor Program, which enables GAF-certified contractors to work with nonprofit organizations on roof repairs or replacements for families, including veterans and other community heroes. Contractors donate labor, while GAF provides approved roofing materials and a qualifying warranty.

Through GAF Roofs for Troops, eligible active-duty service members, honorably discharged veterans, and military retirees can receive a rebate when they install a qualifying GAF roofing system and purchase an Enhanced Warranty.

How To Apply

Service members in their final 180 days of service can review eligibility requirements and participating locations through GAF’s SkillBridge program page. SkillBridge participants continue to receive military compensation and benefits while completing approved industry training, apprenticeships, or internships.