One of the biggest hurdles holding many contractors back from accepting new work is having the right help. In fact, labor is a huge issue for contractors across North America.
With more than 800,000 jobs expected to be added to the industry by 2024 in the U.S., the vinyl siding industry has positioned itself well as a leader in workforce development.
An estimated 3 million homes are sided each year, and vinyl siding is the most common exterior cladding used, found on more new homes being built annually. The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), a trade association for manufacturers of vinyl and other polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry, has been working diligently over the last several years to match career development opportunities with the multitudes of people seeking real growth in a profession that offers security, stability and greater accessibility.
The Career Pathway to Success Program
The Career Pathway to Success Program is designed to help aspiring professionals find a clear pathway to a successful career in the construction industry. It also may be one of the few legitimate career tracks in which one could start by making a living wage as an installer-trainee in their first year to earning a six-figure salary as an owner-operator/subcontractor.
Certifications are an inexpensive way to show proof that an industry professional is keeping their expertise current and up-to-date. They are important for several reasons:
- For the professional: Professional certification gives contractors the confidence in their abilities because it proves that their skills have been evaluated and approved by a well-regarded professional organization.
- For the end user: Professional certification shows customers, home and property owners, and other clients that contractors are committed to their profession and are well-trained/educated in their trade.
VSI’s Installer Certification Program plays an integral part in its Career Pathway to Success Program, starting with the one-day VSI Installer-Trainee course followed by the preparation that Installation Technicians receive for the Certified Installer course and exam. To build on this momentum, VSI is creating a customizable recruiting tool for businesses to adopt as their own Career Pathway to Success Program.
Making Record-Breaking Strides in Workforce Development
Despite the disruptions from the COVID-19 crisis that have impacted so many industries since 2020, VSI has made strides in its workforce development efforts.
In April 2021, the organization trained over 1,200 new certified installer trainees – its greatest month ever. (In April 2019, VSI had 1,600 professionals in its entire workforce development database). By late July 2020, the association was up to 5,100 industry professionals, with 3,500 new certified installers.
In 2022, by the end of July, VSI’s program is expected to top 6,500 industry professions, from trainees to owner operators and instructors.
Installer Carves Her Own Pathway to Success
Daun Williamson is the perfect example of how The Career Pathway to Success Program model can provide professionals with exciting career opportunities in the trades.
After fulfilling careers in the U.S. Navy and her state’s youth correctional system, Williamson reinvented herself as a full-time student at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, majoring in Building Construction Technology. Williamson’s education in construction began many years ago when she worked for her father, a highly-respected contractor.
She recently completed her degree this past spring and has achieved the following VSI certifications as Installer Trainee, Certified Installer and Certified Installer Trainer.
While she is qualified and willing to train aspiring vinyl siding installers to become certified, she is also interested in becoming an instructor at her college or another good technical school. In addition to teaching, Williamson sees her multiple certifications as marketable assets for contractors, home builders and other stakeholders who could benefit from using vinyl siding for their projects.
After becoming a certified trainer, Williamson started analyzing all the homes in her community. She said she’s excited by the possibilities of one-day installing vinyl siding on some of these properties or teaching others in the trade how to ensure a quality installation.
