Pipe School Set for March

More than 300 concrete pipe professionals from across North America will gather in Orlando, Fla., next month for the 2015 American Concrete Pipe Assn. (ACPA) Pipe School, an annual industry event featuring training, education and networking.

Scheduled for March 3 to 6, prior to the 2015 Precast Show, attendees of this year’s sold-out Pipe School will have the opportunity to tour two local pipe plants, learn best practices in production, quality, sales and marketing, safety and engineering design, and hear from experienced and knowledgeable instructors.

“Our Pipe Schools have long been among the most popular and valuable programs the ACPA provides, and each year we find ways to make the week even more rewarding for our attendees,” said Matt Childs, president of the American Concrete Pipe Assn. “This year’s theme, ‘Concrete First,’ reinforces our industry’s role in producing the best products in the market, and is designed to unify us behind our common purpose of selling more concrete pipe and box culverts.”

Some highlights of the 2015 Pipe School include:

• The introduction of a new Production & Management Accreditation Program, consisting of six hours of concentrated, practical training in five specific disciplines: Reinforcement Manufacturing, Vibrated Dry Cast Production, Packerhead Production, Safety and Performance Management;
• A panel discussion examining departments of transportation’s expectations and criteria for choosing between competing pipe products;
• A Post Installation Inspection Demonstration offering up-close observations of both concrete and flexible pipe installations;
• A discussion of Accelerated Precast Construction and its impact on the future of the industry;
• Tours of Rinker and Hanson plants in Apopka and Winter Haven, respectively;
• Opportunities to examine best-in-class safety practices from finalists for the 2015 ACPA Chairman’s Safety Awards; and
• Several informal opportunities to network with industry peers from across North America.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to become Qcast accredited by attending the Quality School track and passing the exam at the end of the course.

“This year’s Pipe School is jam-packed with invaluable opportunities for concrete pipe professionals to dramatically upgrade their knowledge, their skills and their accreditations, while networking with leaders and peers from across the industry,” said ACPA Chairman Rick Traylor of Rinker Materials-Concrete Pipe Div. CEMEX. “If you are looking to become a more valued contributor to your company and/or to advance your career in the concrete pipe industry, I urge you to get to Orlando the first week of March.”

The 2015 ACPA Pipe School will be held at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort. The event is made possible by several blue-chip companies and organizations, including Platinum Sponsors BESSER Co. and HawkeyePedershaab.