Providing your employees with education and training relevant to their job responsibilities is an investment that pays tremendous dividends. The WCCT is continuing to develop programs that satisfy the major employment needs of the concrete and concrete products industries. All segments of these industries are encouraged to contact us at either +1.989.354.1072 or via e-mail to discuss individual training possibilities.
Register online using links for each class below.
5-Day Workshops
Concrete Masonry Technology
Concrete Masonry Technology
This course covers all aspects of manufacturing concrete products and will benefit those beginning their careers as well as seasoned professionals. This interactive course takes place in the classroom, lab, and fully operational production facility housed at the World Center for Concrete Technology.
Topics:
- All about raw materials: cement, water, aggregate, admixtures, and pigments
- Conducting a sieve analysis, multi-aggregate blending, mix designs, and mixing sequence
- Concrete products production using student’s mix designs
- Curing fundamentals
Price: USD $1150
Vibrapac®
Vibrapac®
Students will learn firsthand about the Vibrapac machine including adjustments, electronics, and basic electrical schematic print reading.
Topics:
- Proper machine adjustments and mold setup
- Systematic troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical malfunctions
- In-plant application of troubleshooting skills specifically for the Vibrapac
Price: USD $1150
Advanced Vibrapac®
Advanced Vibrapac®
This course is a deep dive into the Vibrapac’s mechanical and electrical operation and delves into advanced troubleshooting
skills. The content of this course will benefit machine operators who have already taken the Vibrapac course. The new skills and an enhanced understanding of the process will elevate the student’s confidence, improve their proficiency, and result in less downtime related to mold and height changes.
Topics:
- Extensive mechanical and electrical hands-on training during concrete products production
- Problem solving skills for addressing daily product quality issues
- Mold and height changes and adjustments: the mold and height change process will be reviewed and demonstrated. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the process by performing a mold and height change
Price: USD $1150
Electronic Controls
Electronic Controls
Students will learn advanced methods of electrical troubleshooting on a wide range of equipment including the Vibrapac, Besser-Matics, splitters, LSC systems, and cubers. Plant staff with all levels of experience will benefit from this
course.
Topics:
- Applications for and troubleshooting of Allen-Bradley programmable controllers, including SLC 500-series and CompactLogix
- Wiring and schematic reading
Note: Block machines, Multi-Spade Besser-Matic loader/unloaders, and cubers are equipped with these controllers.
Price: USD $1150
Product Handling & Curing
Product Handling & Curing
This course focuses on the unique maintenance and troubleshooting required for product handling and curing equipment. This course will benefit those beginning their careers as well as seasoned professionals.
Topics:
- Adjustments, schematic print reading, and solid-state circuitry for E-Model and Multi-Spade Besser-Matic loader/unloaders, LSC and PTS handling systems, curing systems, depalleters, turnovers, splitters and semi-and fully automatic cubers
- Curing fundamentals and benefits
Price: USD $1150
Advanced Concrete Masonry Technology
Advanced Concrete Masonry Technology
The course features in-depth discussions, extensive instruction, and firsthand experience with testing and production. Course content is ideal for concrete technicians, quality control personnel, and advanced machine operators.
Topics:
- Best practices for mix designs, moisture compensation, batching sequence, quality control, and product testing
- Identifying the impact of mix moisture, gradations, cement content, curing and color load on unit strength, and color
- The cause and effect the material and mix quality has on overall machine operation and product quality. All machine types, including cam driven, Servo driven, and impact vibration are discussed
- ASTM specifications for specialty products
- The use of recycled materials in concrete products production
- The benefits of confirming Bill of Materials (BOMs) and obtaining gradation reports from suppliers on a regular basis
Price: USD $1150
3-Day Workshops
The ABCs of the Production Process (formerly the Executive Session)
The ABCs of the Production Process (formerly the Executive Session)
Designed especially for non-technical and new managers this coursework begins with the raw materials and covers every aspect of the production process until cubes of product are taken to the yard. Students will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share information, which will increase their confidence and expand their knowledge so they’re able to intelligently ask the questions that will take your operation to the next level.
Topics:
- Raw materials, sieve analysis, mix designs, and adjusting for moisture content
- The production process for concrete masonry and hardscape units
- Insights into efficient plant operations and proactive maintenance
Bonus: Unique to the this Course Participation in roundtable discussions with industry executives and professionals will provide perspectives on new products, current industry challenges, and opportunities.
Note: This course does not qualify for Master Blockmaker® certification.
Price: USD $850
All About Molds
The ABCs of the Production Process (formerly the Executive Session)
Students will learn all about molds in this class, both small pallet and large pallet formats. The class will cover the complete life cycle of molds used in concrete products manufacturing.
Topics:
- Mold nomenclature
- Understanding mold life, mold care, and storage
- Step-by-step mold assembly and Posapac rebuild followed by hands-on practical training
* Prerequisites for these courses:
Advanced CMT: CMT required
Advanced Vibrapac: Vibrapac required
Electronic Controls: Vibrapac or Product Handling required
Price: USD $850
Tuition
- 5-day Blockmakers Workshops®: $1150
- 3-day Blockmakers Workshops®: $850
- Prices subject to change
Blockmakers Workshop Hours
- All classes begin at 8:00 AM Eastern on the starting day.
- 5-day Workshops finish at 12:00 PM on Friday.
- 3-day Workshops finish at 5:00 PM on the third day.
Registration
- Applications should be received 30 days before the first day of class.
- Paid applications determine if classes will be held.
- Applications with payment will be given first priority.
- Classes with low enrollments may be canceled. Hold travel arrangements until the class is confirmed one month prior to start date.
Important Details
- Classes with low enrollment may be canceled. Hold travel arrangements until the class is confirmed one month prior to start date.
- Checks and money orders payable to Besser Company.
- Registrations cannot be processed without payment.
- If you cancel, refunds include a $100 processing fee.
- If we cancel, refunds will be reimbursed 100%. Workshops are canceled when enrollments are below minimum of 7 students.
- The World Center for Concrete Technology, Besser Company and Alpena Community College are not responsible for any other expenses incurred as a result of a class cancellation.
- Photographs will be taken of all classes. Inform the instructor if you do not wish to appear in promotional materials.
- Students are encouraged to secure their own translator if one is required.
- The World Center for Concrete Technology strives to accommodate all students. If you require special assistance please contact us.
- Please refer to Area Information for lodging, transportation and area details.
