GAF Expands SkillBridge Program for Transitioning Service Members

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 2, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- GAF, a leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, has expanded its partnership with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program to provide transitioning service members with hands-on manufacturing training. This initiative, designed to bridge the skills gap in the manufacturing sector, offers a no-cost, six-month training opportunity at GAF’s facilities.

The program aims to address the looming shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. manufacturing industry. According to Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, by 2033, the industry could face a shortfall of up to 3.8 million positions, with nearly half at risk of remaining unfilled. Industrial maintenance technicians are among the roles expected to be in high demand.

GAF’s SkillBridge program provides transitioning service members with the opportunity to gain practical experience in advanced manufacturing processes. Participants train alongside GAF’s manufacturing teams, learning about equipment, maintenance procedures, and safety and quality standards. The program currently operates at GAF facilities in Myerstown, Pennsylvania; Michigan City, Indiana; Mount Vernon, Indiana; Newton, Kansas, and Ennis, Texas.

John Barkhouse, CEO and President of GAF, emphasized the value of service members’ skills.

The SkillBridge program builds on GAF’s existing efforts to support the transition of service members into skilled trades. Last year, the GAF Roofing Academy earned accreditation to participate in SkillBridge. Since its launch in 2020, the Roofing Academy has trained hundreds of service-affiliated participants, with half securing roofing jobs following the training.

GAF has also partnered with several organizations to bring Roofing Academy training and employment opportunities to service members across the country. These include the Army Career Skills Program, Medical Evaluation Board Career Skills Program, NextOp, Work for Warriors, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Colorado Veterans Project, Team Rubicon, and Hiring Our Heroes.

GAF’s commitment extends beyond career training. The company supports the military community through programs such as the GAF Community Contractor Program, which enables certified contractors to partner with nonprofit organizations to provide roof repairs or replacements for deserving families, including veterans and other community heroes. Through the program, contractors donate their labor while GAF donates approved roofing materials and a qualifying warranty.

GAF also offers the GAF Roofs for Troops program, which provides a rebate to eligible active-duty service members, honorably discharged veterans, and military retirees who install a qualifying GAF roofing system and purchase an Enhanced Warranty.

The expansion of the SkillBridge program reflects GAF’s dedication to investing in skilled maintenance talent and supporting the transition of service members into civilian careers. As the manufacturing industry faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, initiatives like GAF’s SkillBridge program are crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and filling the workforce gap.