GAF Expands SkillBridge Partnership with New Hands-On Manufacturing Training for Transitioning Service Members

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, announced today the expansion of its partnership with the DoW SkillBridge program to include a no-cost, six-month GAF manufacturing training opportunity for transitioning service members. Through this unique program, created specifically by GAF with transitioning service members in mind, qualified participants can gain hands-on experience at GAF manufacturing facilities as they prepare for civilian careers after military service.

The program comes as manufacturers across the country face a persistent shortage of skilled workers. By 2033, the U.S. manufacturing industry could need to fill as many as 3.8 million positions, with nearly half at risk of going unfilled if workforce challenges are not addressed, according to Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. Industrial maintenance technicians are among the skilled roles expected to be in high demand.

As part of the program, participants train alongside GAF manufacturing teams and learn the company's equipment, maintenance processes, and standards for safety and quality. The program is currently offered at GAF facilities in Myerstown, Pennsylvania; Michigan City, Indiana; Mount Vernon, Indiana; Newton, Kansas, and Ennis, Texas. The program is designed to help participants build valuable civilian career skills while creating a pipeline of qualified talent. Participants will be considered for open roles across GAF's manufacturing network.

"Service members bring technical expertise, disciplined problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork that translate naturally to modern manufacturing," said John Barkhouse, CEO and President at GAF. "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."

The manufacturing program builds on GAF's existing work to help service members transition into careers in the skilled trades. Last year, the GAF Roofing Academy also earned accreditation to participate in SkillBridge. Since launching in 2020, the program, which provides tuition-free classroom and hands-on training in residential and commercial roofing, 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, including:

• 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
• Hiring Our Heroes

GAF also supports the military community beyond career training through programs including:

• GAF Community Contractor Program: which enables contractors certified by GAF 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 Roofs for Troops: 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.

For additional information on the manufacturing program, eligibility requirements and participating locations, visit the www.GAF.com/SkillBridge.

About GAF
GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products, and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

About SkillBridge
The DoW SkillBridge program connects service members with civilian work experience opportunities during their last 180 days of service. Through industry training, apprenticeships, and internships, SkillBridge enables service members to gain valuable civilian work experience while still receiving military compensation and benefits. The program provides employers with access to a highly skilled, disciplined, and dedicated talent pool, helping service members successfully transition into civilian careers. Learn more at skillbridge.osd.mil.

Contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE GAF