Wayne's Roofing Supports Hands-On TPO Demo for Seattle Public Schools Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Building the Next Generation
We believe the future of our industry depends on investing in the next generation of skilled roofing professionals. On February 13th, that belief was put into action when the Pierce County Roofers' Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) delivered a hands-on TPO roofing demonstration for students in the Seattle Public Schools Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program. It was a powerful reminder of what's possible when industry and education come together to build real pathways into the trades.
A Real-World Roofing Experience
JATC Apprenticeship Instructor Ryan Weichert, a former Wayne's Roofing employee, led the session alongside CJ Richmond, a current Wayne's Roofing registered roofing apprentice. Together, they walked students through the fundamentals of commercial roofing and demonstrated the installation of TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roof systems from start to finish.
The session covered the full scope of a professional roofing demonstration, including roofing systems overview and the role of single-ply TPO membranes, materials and tools such as hot-air welders, neoprene rollers, and clad metals, substrate preparation, membrane layout, cutting, and seam welding, flashing installation and key details like corners and pipe boots, and hands-on group mock-up work where students rotated roles and completed their own installations.
Students didn't just observe — they got their hands on TPO membrane, practiced seam welds, and worked through real mock-up assemblies in small groups. That kind of experiential learning is exactly what pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to deliver.
High Marks from Program Leadership
The response from Seattle Public Schools was enthusiastic. Pierce County Roofers' JATC Training Director Racheal Geyer shared this feedback after the event:
"A big thank you for allowing CJ to participate. Working alongside Ryan, they made a great team and really brought the session to life. The pre-apprenticeship program was impressed with the instruction and engagement, and it was wonderful to see CJ and Ryan represent Wayne's Roofing and the apprenticeship program so well."
— Racheal Geyer, Training Director, Pierce County Roofers' JATC
Geyer also recognized Bryan for stepping in to cover for Ryan during this time, noting his reliability and the strength of the ongoing partnership between Wayne's Roofing and the JATC.
Why This Work Matters to Wayne's Roofing
Wayne's Roofing has been directly associated with local apprenticeship training programs since our early days. Many of our most skilled professionals launched their roofing careers through the Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship and Seattle Area Roofers Apprenticeship Programs — and some, like CJ, are still building that career with us today.
When we invest in a pre-apprenticeship program like this, we're doing more than community outreach. We're helping to ensure that the commercial roofing industry has a qualified, safety-conscious workforce.
About the Pierce County Roofers' JATC Apprenticeship Program
Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship Program provides structured, hands-on training for aspiring roofing professionals. The program prepares apprentices with the technical skills, safety knowledge, and practical experience needed to succeed in the commercial roofing industry. Wayne's Roofing is a proud supporter of this program and its mission to develop the next generation of skilled craftspeople.
Interested in a Career in Commercial Roofing?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills, commercial roofing offers rewarding, stable career opportunities. Wayne's Roofing is always looking for dedicated individuals who are committed to quality and safety. Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and careers at Wayne's Roofing by visiting our website or contacting us directly.
