At Elevate, we believe the future of commercial roofing starts with investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. That’s why we’re proud to support the incredible work of SkillsUSA and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) as part of our ongoing commitment to workforce development and trade education. As part of this partnership, we joined students, educators, and fellow industry leaders in Atlanta for the 2025 SkillsUSA National Championship, held June 24–28.
About SkillsUSA and NRCA:
SkillsUSA is a national organization that brings together students, educators, and industry professionals to strengthen the skilled workforce. Through hands-on competitions held at the middle school, high school, and postsecondary levels, students demonstrate real-world skills and technical knowledge. The annual National Championship provides a national stage for students from across the country to showcase their abilities across a wide range of trades.
Thanks to NRCA leadership, roofing is now featured as its own category in two of these national contests - one for commercial and one for residential. The Commercial Roofing competition challenges students to install thermoplastic systems on roof mockups, following NRCA PROCertification standards. It served as a hands-on introduction to the commercial roofing industry and highlights the precision and expertise the trade requires.
A Partnership That Gives Back to the Future of Roofing
As a leading sponsor of NRCA’s efforts with SkillsUSA, Elevate is proud to invest in programs that advance trade education and promote careers in roofing. This new partnership is about more than just showing up, it’s about supporting the development of a skilled roofing workforce by investing in training and education.
As part of our commitment, we are:
- Donating Elevate roofing materials to more than 25 SkillsUSA-affiliated schools and training facilities across the U.S .
- Supporting training programs that provide hands-on experience with commercial roofing systems
- Engaging our Sales and Technical Representatives to assist with trainings and speak to students about career paths in the roofing industry
- Donating materials and offering technical support for the Commercial Roofing competition at the SkillsUSA National Championship
- Providing financial support as a Platinum Sponsor of NRCA’s Commercial Roofing Pavilion at the SkillsUSA National Championship
Elevate and SkillsUSA at the National Championship
From June 24 to 28 in Atlanta, Georgia, we joined educators, industry partners, and student competitors at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Championship. During the Commercial Roofing competition, students worked alongside coaches, including Elevate Tech Reps, to install thermoplastic systems on full-size roof mockups. Each installation was evaluated based on precision, safety, and alignment with NRCA PROCertification standards.
In addition to supporting the competition, we showcased our RubberGard™ EPDM commercial roofing systems to give students exposure to a range of material options. With Elevate’s proven 45-year track record, EPDM remains a durable and reliable solution for commercial applications. We were proud to showcase its long-standing role in the industry, alongside an interactive EPDM "touch and feel" display where participants could explore materials and engage directly with our Technical Reps. It was a great opportunity for them to ask questions, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of the product's application in the field.
Elevate was proud to support the SkillsUSA National Championship through material donations, sponsorship of the NRCA Commercial Roofing Pavilion, and participation on the judging panel. The event showcased the dedication and skill of student competitors who are taking meaningful steps toward careers in the trades. Our involvement provided us with an opportunity to engage with students directly and further reinforced Elevate’s commitment to hands-on training and the future of commercial roofing.
“It’s incredible to see how SkillsUSA is bringing young people into roofing. Donating to this program is one way we can give back and help build the future of the industry,” said Kim Eckerman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Elevate Commercial Roofing Products.
Looking Ahead
We see this partnership as a long-term investment in people, education, and the future of our industry. Elevate remains committed to supporting the skilled trades, and this is just one way we are helping build a stronger, more sustainable workforce.
To the students, instructors, and volunteers who made this year’s SkillsUSA National Championship a success, thank you. We are honored to be part of your journey and excited for what comes next!