Phoenix Roofing Industry Transforms Through Innovative Skills Training Programs to Bridge Arizona’s Growing Labor Gap

Arizona’s construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, but beneath this economic boom lies a critical challenge that threatens to derail progress: a severe shortage of skilled roofing professionals. Arizona is projected to need 254,830 construction jobs filled through the end of 2024, with 57,000 of those being carpentry positions alone, highlighting the magnitude of workforce development needs across the state.

The Scale of Arizona’s Labor Challenge

The number one challenge for contractors remains difficulty finding the right amount of labor. Roofing companies continue to compete with a small labor pool making it hard to find skilled labor at anything less than premium pay. This shortage has created a ripple effect throughout the industry, with construction firms often report delays and cost overruns due to a shortage of skilled labor.

The situation is particularly acute in roofing, where most roofing companies are going to need around 10 percent more staff this year. Contributing factors include an aging workforce means many seasoned workers are retiring, especially in trades and driving jobs, faster than younger workers are entering these fields. In fact, it is projected that the number of workers reaching retirement age will grow three times faster in the coming years.

Comprehensive Training Programs Address the Skills Gap

Recognizing the urgency of this workforce crisis, Arizona has launched multiple training initiatives specifically targeting roofing and construction trades. By the end of 2024 Arizona will need to fill 265,146 construction jobs. The Construction Trades program is intended to help students fill those positions. These courses prepare students to enter the construction industry in positions such as carpenter, roofer, and electrician.

The Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) has developed comprehensive training programs that address both safety and technical skills. 10-Hour OSHA Training (available in English and Spanish) Introductory safety training covering general jobsite hazards, workers’ rights, and OSHA standards. Ideal for entry-level workers. 30-Hour OSHA Training Comprehensive safety training for supervisors and workers with safety responsibilities, focusing on hazard recognition and prevention.

These programs also include specialized training for Arizona’s unique challenges, such as Heat Illness Prevention Training Educates workers and supervisors on recognizing, preventing, and responding to heat-related illnesses, especially in Arizona’s extreme climate. This is particularly crucial given that at one point last summer we had 31 straight days of 110 degree or higher temperatures. Many of those days never broke under 100 degrees at any point of the day.

Government and Industry Collaboration

The state government has taken decisive action to address workforce development through the Talent Ready AZ Initiative is created to meet Arizona’s workforce needs, support Arizona’s growing and critical industries, provide Arizonans with good-paying jobs, and connect Arizonans to the careers of the future and long-term success.

Governor Hobbs announced the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative with more than $650,000 in grant awards to five construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs. This round is the first phase of Governor Hobbs multi faceted BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative to advance the state’s skilled construction workforce. The initiative aims to double the number of construction trades registered apprentices by 2026 to support Arizona’s growing economy and to connect Arizonans with good paying, quality jobs.

Industry-Specific Training Solutions

Community colleges across Arizona have developed targeted programs to meet industry needs. This 30 credit program provides training in the following specializations: carpentry and electrical. Students will begin with an 8 week online course covering the topics of construction safety, hand and power tools, calculations and blueprint reading. The last 8 weeks will consist of hands-on training in a lab, based on the student’s chosen specialization.

The Arizona General Contractors Association (AZAGC) offers training programs to allow the construction workforce to stay on top of highly relevant topics. We offer programs and resources for members and industry partners to help recruit, train and retain workers. We can customize our programs to meet your specific workforce needs.

Real-World Impact and Career Opportunities

For consumers seeking roofing services, these workforce development initiatives translate into better-trained professionals and more reliable service delivery. There are 168,100 roofers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Arizona employs 3,760 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Arizona is more than double that at 15% for roofers.

Companies like Roofing Contractor in Phoenix, AZ are benefiting from these training programs by gaining access to better-prepared workers. Roofing All Stars LLC is a market leader in roofing and building services, with a local history serving Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and the surrounding areas. We strive to build long-lasting relationships with our customers by honoring their trust and achieving their goals. You can expect the highest quality of workmanship and the highest level of expertise, regardless of the size of your project.

Looking Forward: Building a Sustainable Workforce

The success of these training programs depends on continued collaboration between government, educational institutions, and industry leaders. The Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) teamed up with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to bring the first annual roofing competition to the SkillsUSA program. Make your pledge today and contribute to the growth and development of our aspiring young professionals while working toward improving the workforce issues the roofing industry currently faces.

As Arizona continues to attract major investments and population growth, these workforce development initiatives represent a critical foundation for the state’s economic future. By addressing the labor shortage through comprehensive training programs, Arizona is not only solving immediate workforce needs but also creating pathways to well-paying careers for thousands of residents.

For homeowners and businesses seeking roofing services, this investment in workforce development means access to better-trained professionals, improved safety standards, and more reliable project completion. The combination of government support, industry collaboration, and educational innovation is transforming Arizona’s roofing workforce from the ground up, ensuring the industry can meet the demands of the state’s continued growth and development.