GAF Expanded Training for Military Service Members
Transitioning service members can now access manufacturing skills training to bolster industrial talent pipelines.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Military Jobs
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GAF has expanded its SkillBridge partnership to include a six-month manufacturing training program for transitioning service members. The initiative offers hands-on experience at multiple facilities to address growing labor needs in the U.S. industrial sector.
Why it matters
The program aims to secure a qualified talent pipeline for the company while addressing a persistent industry-wide shortage of skilled workers. This move aligns with broader projections that the U.S. manufacturing sector may require 3.8 million new hires by 2033.
The six-month program provides free training for transitioning military members, adding to the GAF Roofing Academy which launched in 2020. Historical data shows 50% of participants from the academy have successfully secured jobs in the roofing industry.
The players
GAF
A long-standing industrial manufacturer specializing in roofing and ventilation systems with 135 years of operational history.
The details
Participants gain technical expertise by working directly alongside active GAF manufacturing teams at sites in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kansas, and Texas. The training curriculum focuses on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and adherence to established safety and quality standards. This hands-on model allows the company to integrate service members into their existing workflows while candidates complete the final phase of their military transition.
Timeline
The GAF Roofing Academy launched in 2020.
GAF Roofing Academy received SkillBridge accreditation last year.
The expanded manufacturing training partnership was announced on October 2, 2026.
The U.S. manufacturing industry expects to face a 3.8 million position talent gap by 2033.
Market Landscape
This program reflects an industry-wide trend of manufacturers formalizing internal training pipelines to combat chronic skilled-labor deficits. It follows the precedent of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which connects transitioning service members with civilian career paths.
Business owners should monitor whether such training partnerships reduce recruitment costs and improve worker retention compared to traditional hiring channels. For firms in labor-intensive sectors, the SkillBridge model offers a framework for vetting and training candidates prior to their formal separation from the military.
The takeaway
Large-scale industrial employers are increasingly relying on structured, accredited programs to solve long-term talent shortages. Business leaders should consider evaluating their own training workflows to determine if similar institutional partnerships could stabilize their pipeline for specialized roles.
Further reading
For more information on how firms are integrating veterans into the workforce, see our coverage of Military Jobs.
More information
View complete program details and eligibility criteria on the GAF manufacturing program and eligibility information.
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