Business may have slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic for roofing contractors, but now is the perfect time to improve your business and prepare for the influx of work once the crisis has passed.
RC assembled the following list of training opportunities and webinars roofing contractors can take advantage of from the comfort of their own homes or offices, some of which are free to use.
This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you’re aware of any opportunities we haven’t listed, contact Editor Art Aisner at aisnera@bnpmedia.com or Managing Editor Chris Gray at grayc@bnpmedia.com and let us know what we can add to the list.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) ProCertification Qualified Assessor
For a limited time, contractors can complete the NRCA’s ProCertification Qualified Assessor program remotely. Those who complete the program become experts in the NRCA’s ProCertification program and conduct performance exams for ProCertification candidates. Visit www.nrca.net/qualifiedassessors for more information.
The NRCA also offers a variety of educational opportunities on its education webpage.
OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Courses
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has listed its 10-hour and 30-hour training providers online, making it easier to find trainers for completing basic hazard awareness classes. OSHA also provides a library full of helpful information and videos, including some that address COVID-19 practices.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Free Professional Development
For a limited time, the SPFA is offering Exam Preparatory Courses of its Professional Certification Program (PCP) free to SPFA members and companies with employees enrolled in PCP. Those who don’t fall into either category may enroll in the PCP and get full access to all courses as they are released. All courses are offered in an online format for easy and safe remote access.
Contact certdirector@sprayfoam.org.
Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) English and Spanish Training Videos
The MRCA partnered with Training Network to provide its members with more than 700 videos on safety and health training that can be viewed on a variety of devices. Of those videos, more than 450 are in Spanish. The videos, as well as quizzes and completion certifications, are available 24/7.
www.mrca.org/aws/MRCA/pt/sp/home_page
Mule-Hide Products Training Videos
Mule-Hide Products has nearly 100 videos on its website that demonstrate how to use a variety of products, from silicone roof coatings to its Helix Low Rise Adhesive products. Best of all, they’re free to watch.
www.mulehide.com/Resources/Training-Tools
Polyglass Videos
Polyglass USA has multiple videos on its website and YouTube page featuring tools, products and installation demonstrations, much of which focuses on low-slope roofing techniques.
GAF Webinars
GAF is releasing webinars on a multitude of topics as well as maintaining its on-demand learning program to provide easy e-learning courses.
www.gaf.com/en-us/for-professionals/training-and-education/care/webinars
S-5! Webinars
S-5! has put together multiple webinars tackling metal roofing, much of which addresses the growing popularity of installing solar systems onto metal roofs.
SRS Distribution Webinars
Like other companies, SRS Distribution is drawing on its knowledge and resources to bring contractors webinars addressing everything from scaling their businesses to improving sales tactics and presentations.
srsdistribution.com/Page.aspx?BrandId=24&PageId=105
Owens Corning Virtual Sales Presentation
Owens Corning assembled a virtual sales kit for contractors looking to engage with customers while still maintaining social distancing practices. The kit includes links to helpful programs and software that correspond to every step of the sales process, from Zoom presentations to electronic signing.
www.owenscorning.com/roofing/tools/technology-for-roofing-contractors
Firestone Building Products University
Firestone’s online education program provides an introduction to multiple roof, wall and building topics. The courses utilize audio, text, graphics, animation and videos to create an interactive learning experience.
www.firestonebpco.com/us-en/resources/education-training
CertainTeed’s Credential Courses and Blog
CertainTeed offers educational programs for its credential contractors. In turn, contractors who take the courses can show customers their level of commitment and knowledge in installing its products. CertainTeed also publishes a blog with useful tips and information, including guides for residential and commercial operations during the COVID-19 crisis.
www.certainteed.com/credentialed-education
National Slate Association Publications and Videos
Want to further your knowledge about slate? The National Slate Association has you covered with its page dedicated to slate-related publications that covers a wide gamut, including the management of historic slate roofs and the “Slate Roof Bible.”
More of a visual learner? Then check out the association’s eight-part video series that demonstrate different aspects of installing and replacing slate.
slateassociation.org/slate-publications
Beacon Webinars and Resources
Beacon Building Products is supplying contractors with webinars on legal advice and leadership as well as on-demand webinars that talk about its various online tools to make working remotely easier. It’s COVID-19 page also provides strategies and resources for navigating the COVID-19 crisis.
ABC Supply Freedom Programs
ABC Supply’s Freedom Programs are value-added products and services designed to give contractors the edge when it comes to customer service, marketing and more. ABC Supply has also created a COVID-19 page for users to easily find resources and tools to assist them during the pandemic.
www.abcsupply.com/contractor-center/freedom-programs
Haag on Demand
Haag has made its certification program available online, meaning contractors to earn their HCI-Residential or HCI-Commercial certification from the comfort of their own home.
haageducation.com/learn/course-catalog
Professional Development Courses from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHR)
GRHC’s Living Architecture Academy online courses are certified for GRP and AIA credits and selected courses are certified for ASLA and APLD credits as well.
