Putting the spotlight on young roofers

By The Coffee Shops™. 

IFD’s World Championship of Young Roofers gives emerging roofing professionals a global platform to demonstrate skill, training and craftsmanship. 

Held roughly every two years in a different location, International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)'s World Championship of Young Roofers is designed to test trade knowledge and hands-on kill across four disciplines: roofing, waterproofing, metal and industrial roofing and façade. The competition is built around a broader mission to promote the roofing trade, strengthen respect for professional work and highlight the value of vocational and in-company training. It also gives participating countries an opportunity to show the quality of their roofing education and the achievements of young professionals entering the industry. 

Entering the competition 

Each country may send one team per discipline. Teams are made up of two roofers who are younger than 28 during the competition year and have either won a national championship or, where no championship exists, were selected by a national professional organisation of the roofing trade based on skill. Participants may compete only once in each category.  

Once selected, competitors train under the guidance of an industry mentor. These mentors may return in multiple competition years and are encouraged to continue supporting future teams. 

How judging works 

At the championship, an eight-person jury elected by the IFD General Assembly evaluates each team’s performance. Jury members cannot come from the same country and cannot serve as mentors. Teams are judged on accuracy of execution, performance, cleanliness, use of materials, craftsmanship, implementation of the required task and serviceability. 

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three teams in each discipline. The competition also includes a president’s prize, where participants can showcase their specialties in a free competition. Winners receive a commemorative gift from the host country and an IFD certificate of participation, while each world champion also receives an IFD challenge cup. 

The most recent championship was held in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2024. The next championship is planned for 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. Follow IFD to keep up on news about it!