Supporting the next generation while solving today’s labor challenges

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Contractor support starts with workforce development and practical jobsite solutions. 

Labor shortages continue to challenge contractors across roofing, metal construction and other skilled trades. According to Rich Benninghoff, CEO of The Malco Group, manufacturers have an important role to play in helping contractors work more efficiently while also supporting the industry's future workforce. 

Speaking with Karen Edwards on a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Rich explained that workforce capacity remains one of the biggest issues facing contractors today. He pointed to retirements and competition for skilled labor as factors reducing the number of available workers while demand for projects continues to grow. "There are less people to do more work," Rich pointed out. 

As crews become harder to staff, manufacturers are increasingly focused on helping contractors maximize efficiency. Rich said Malco concentrates on solutions that “improve time, quality, rework" and other factors that can help crews accomplish more with fewer people on the job. 

Addressing workforce shortages also means helping attract and develop the next generation. Rich highlighted the company's longstanding support of industry education initiatives such as SkillsUSA and Head of the Class. "We wanted to have our brand name Malco to be synonymous with help supporting solutions and quality," Rich said. 

Programs like The Malco Group’s Head of the Class allow instructors to recognize outstanding students, while SkillsUSA provides opportunities for contractors and manufacturers to connect with future tradespeople. Rich said these initiatives help establish trust early in a worker's career and reinforce Malco's commitment to training, support and professional development. 

By maintaining a presence in schools, trade programs and industry events, The Malco Group aims to support workers from their first experience with tools through the entirety of their careers. Swing by Booth1376 at METALCON to get a look at the Malco Groups’ latest innovations in making jobsites more efficient.  

As labor challenges continue, partnerships between manufacturers, educators and contractors may prove increasingly important for sustaining the industry's workforce pipeline. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about workforce development and contractor support.