A grant from the Roofing Alliance to Clemson University’s Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning will kick start a center for research and workforce development in the roofing industry.
The center will be led by three construction science faculty members: Associate Department Chair and Associate Professor Dhaval Gajjar, Associate Professor Jason Lucas, and Assistant Professor Vivek Sharma.
With an initial four-year budget of $1,006,229, the center’s mission will be to drive sustainable growth across the roofing supply chain through innovative research and educational initiatives.
Through innovative research activities, we will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the roofing industry that will help shape the future of the industry across all sectors and address the immediate challenges in the roofing industry.
Alison L. LaValley, CAE, Executive Director of the Roofing Alliance
Gajjar, who will serve as the center’s executive director, noted that developing and training the workforce and conducting innovative research for the roofing industry is the center’s top goal.
“We will be developing training modules for students as early as middle school. The roofing industry offers opportunities for careers with a range of skill sets and education levels,” he said. “Roofs are a basic necessity, and yet the potential for innovation in the design, materials, and construction of roofs are limitless.”
“This center is the culmination of four years of hard work and vision by all involved. It can potentially become a model of Academic-Industry partnership backed by robust data, research, and training, paving the way for innovation and skill development,” Sharma added.
In addition to creating a roofing-specific education platform for the industry, Gajjar and his colleagues will conduct innovative research in the field of sustainability, resiliency, technology and materials for the roofing industry.
“This center contributes actively to all three pillars of Clemson Elevate,” said Ece Erdogmus, founding dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction. “Through the training modules, it will provide experiential learning opportunities to our students. It will increase research activities and products by creating the necessary focus and infrastructure for new large grants. Finally, it directly addresses the dire national shortage for both construction leaders and trade workers. It will be a major contributor to the future of workforce training, which in turn will transform lives in South Carolina and beyond.”
The center is in its initial planning stages with a committee meeting this Fall to determine its official name and location. However, it is starting off with strong industry support.
“Roofing Alliance members are excited to partner with Clemson University in the creation of the center, which we believe will be a game-changer in addressing the industry’s workforce challenges with initiatives focused on attracting, training, and retaining professionals,” said Alison L. LaValley, CAE, Executive Director of the Roofing Alliance. “Through innovative research activities, we will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the roofing industry that will help shape the future of the industry across all sectors and address the immediate challenges in the roofing industry.”
Sharma noted that the partnership is designed to attract students to both the construction science and management program and to the roofing industry.
“It’s a true win-win partnership,” he said.
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