A New Pathway Into Exterior Products Careers
Building Talent Foundation is partnering with the Polymeric Exterior Products Association to help more people explore careers in vinyl siding and polymeric exterior products installation.
The partnership connects PEPA’s training and certification resources with BTF’s national workforce network, JobsToBuild.com, and hiring events across BTF markets. Together, the organizations are working to expand awareness of exterior products careers, connect employers with job seekers, and help more people access training pathways tied to real opportunities in residential construction.
Why Installation Talent Matters
Exterior products do not become finished homes without skilled installers.
For contractors, builders, manufacturers, distributors, and homeowners, installation quality affects project timelines, product performance, warranty risk, and long-term customer satisfaction. BTF’s workforce research with Leading Builders of America found that builders place high value on siding and exterior trim skills such as flashing to prevent water intrusion, installing siding to manufacturer specifications, sealing penetrations, and fastening materials correctly.
Those are not small details. They are the difference between a product that performs as intended and a job that creates callbacks, rework, or customer concerns.
What PEPA Brings
PEPA brings an established installer training and certification pathway through the VSI Certified Installer program. That gives the exterior products industry a valuable foundation for helping workers understand the skills, standards, and practices needed for quality installation.
This matters to PEPA members because the future of the exterior products industry depends not only on product innovation, but also on the people who install those products in the field.
What BTF Brings
BTF brings the field network to help connect job seekers, training partners, employers, and hiring events in local markets.
Through JobsToBuild.com, employers can post open roles, search candidates, and connect with people interested in construction careers. BTF Engagement Managers also work in local markets to build relationships between education partners, community organizations, job seekers, builders, and trade employers.
The partnership gives PEPA members and their contractor networks a practical way to move from concern about labor shortages to action.
Why This Matters for Job Seekers
For job seekers, exterior products installation can be an entry point into a long-term skilled trades career.
A first role as a helper or trainee can lead to installer, lead installer, crew chief, project manager, sales, subcontracting, or business ownership. With the right training and employer connections, more people can see a future in this part of residential construction.
Get Involved
Employers in the exterior products industry can register on JobsToBuild to post roles and connect with candidates.
Job seekers can explore exterior products installation and other residential construction career pathways.
Employer Registration: JobsToBuild PEPA Employer Page
Explore Careers: JobsToBuild PEPA Job Seeker Page
Read the Press Release: BTF + PEPA Press Release