In response to the rising demand for more durable, longer-lasting and energy-efficient options in building materials, Home Builders Institute – the workforce development arm of the NAHB – partnered in 2006 with the CHBC to develop the Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS) Concrete Specialization series of courses. These courses address the demand for more specialized training that highlights the increasing utilization of concrete building methods in the residential construction arena. 

“The CHBC membership was critical in providing the technical and financial support for these programs,” said Mike Weber of Portland Cement Association. “Their participation ensured the accuracy and relevancy of these courses to the residential construction industry.”

Both HBI and the CHBC recognize that quality construction begins and ends with the site supervisor—the intended audience for these courses.  He or she is the first line of defense against inconsistent and substandard home construction that can lead to safety violations, defects, loss of money and disgruntled customers.  However, by providing such hands-on concrete resources to superintendents, home builders can ensure their employees are trained in the most up-to-date concrete techniques.  This in turn translates into more efficient production, better quality of the finished product and ultimately higher customer satisfaction—something that’s critical in a softening housing market.

In order for the Concrete Specialization courses to become an effective tool in empowering jobsite supervisors, HBI is currently searching for experienced and seasoned instructors who can teach these classes throughout the U.S.  Acquiring more instructors with the availability to teach directly equates to greater opportunities for state and local Home Builder Associations to offer these courses to their members.

Four Concrete Specialization courses are currently available for state and local HBAs to host.  Each four hours in length, HBAs can choose from:

 -Concrete Mix Designs and Troubleshooting
 -Handling Moisture behind Brick Veneers to Back-Up Walls
 -Best Practices for Concrete Pavers and Segmental Retaining Walls
 -Concrete Masonry Home Building

Insulated Concrete Forms as well as Pre-Cast Construction for Single and Multi-Family Homes, and FEMA "Best Practieces" Mitigation are currently being developed and are expected to roll out by mid-2007.

For more information on the RCS Concrete Specialization series of courses, or to apply to become an instructor, log on to www.hbi.org or contact Kevin Thorn, HBI Program Coordinator at 800-795-7955 x8928. [ return to top ]