Operating with a belief that diverse thought sparks innovation and growth, Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance and its affiliate, Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. (WTI), have prioritized diversity and inclusion as a cornerstone of their recruitment efforts for decades. With a variety of recruitment initiatives aimed at attracting and developing traditionally underrepresented populations in the roofing industry, such as minorities and women, Tremco has many programs in place to ensure an inclusive work environment that supports diversity—from apprenticeships and paid parental leave, to safety attire and equipment fit for any size.
One such initiative is WTI’s Roofing Individuals Succeed through Education (RISE) program, an educational partnership with the University of Akron that equips associates for a long-term career in construction management through undergraduate degree and apprenticeship programs. Associates are eligible to apply for the program after 90 days of employment. Once accepted into the undergraduate program, WTI pays 100% of the tuition for associates and their dependents. Through WTI’s Roof Training Apprenticeship Program, a federally accredited partnership with the Department of Labor, associates can gain up to 4,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training, as well as 392 hours of online classroom instruction. Graduates of the program can work anywhere in the U.S. and earn up to 17 college credits should they decide to pursue a college degree in the future.
As an extension of this initiative, WTI offers a partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction that provides designated offenders with in-depth training for a career in the roofing industry through its apprenticeship program. Upon release of incarceration, WTI guarantees employment opportunities within a pay range of $16-$23 per hour, plus benefits, depending on individual roof competency. Given successful employment, individuals can complete the company’s RISE program and access free opportunities for higher education.
In addition, Tremco Roofing and WTI are founding sponsors of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), a volunteer-based organization that provides educational, networking and advancement opportunities for women in the roofing industry. In fact, several of Tremco’s female leaders are active members of the organization—even starting an NWIR Cleveland chapter that has become one of the most active in the nation. Through its partnership with NWIR, Tremco can also take a more active role in helping to address challenges faced by women in the roofing industry.
As a result of these diversity and inclusion efforts, Tremco Roofing and WTI have seen a significant increase in hiring over the last year—demonstrating the value of looking beyond traditional recruitment strategies to promote a more diverse workforce.
