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.

2025 Blockmakers Workshop Calendar

5-Day Workshops

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

Concrete Masonry Technology
February 10, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00
Concrete Masonry Technology
September 15, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00

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

Vibrapac
February 17, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00
Vibrapac
September 22, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00

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

Advanced Vibrapac
April 21, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00

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

Electronic Controls
March 03, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00
Electronic Controls
October 06, 2025
8:00 pm
$1,150.00

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

Product Handling & Curing
October 13, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00

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

Event Occurrence not found or deleted
Advanced Concrete Masonry Technology
May 05, 2025
8:00 am
$1,150.00

3-Day Workshops

Executive Session

Tailored to upper management, course attendees will get an understanding of concrete materials technology and the operation of a block plant that will provide the knowledge they need to increase their effectiveness in their leadership positions.

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 Executive Course Participation in roundtable discussions with industry executives and professionals will provide perspectives on new products, current industry challenges, and opportunities

Price: USD $850

Note: The Executive Session does not qualify for Master Blockmaker certification.

Executive Session
July 22, 2025
8:00 am

Tuition

  • 5-day Blockmakers Workshops®: $1150
  • Executive Session (2-1/2 days): $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.