NPCA expands Master Precaster program to Canada

The US National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) has licensed its Master Precaster program to the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) as part of its push to enhance educational opportunities and workforce skills within the industry.

Individuals in Canada can now obtain Master Precaster status by completing six precast-specific courses that focus on general industry knowledge, production, safety, technical, quality control and leadership.

Since its introduction in 2012, more than 400 individuals have completed the program and earned the title Master Precaster from NPCA.

Beginning in 2024, CPCI will offer Master Precaster courses through a combination of in-person and web-based events. The courses can be taken in any order, but all six must be completed to acquire the Master Precaster designation.

“The Master Precaster program is a well-established and highly regarded precast-specific worker training program built on the needs of our members,” said NPCA president and CEO Nick Rhoad.

“We look forward to working alongside CPCI to continue skilling up the workforce, providing opportunities for production personnel so that we can help ensure the manufacturing of high-quality precast concrete products.”

CPCI President Val Sylaj said, “We are proud to partner with NPCA on this great education initiative. Providing a comprehensive training program such as the NPCA Master Precaster will go a long way toward educating our industry and further reinforcing the excellent relationship between our two organizations.”

Master Precasters trained by CPCI will receive the same recognition as those who complete the education through NPCA, including a certificate, a gold hard hat and inclusion in the annual graduation ceremony that takes place at The Precast Show.

The NPCA Master Precaster training program includes:

Production and Quality School (PQS) Level I. A baseline overview covering the body of knowledge that all precast concrete facility employees should know.

PQS II-Safety. A comprehensive examination of safety issues associated with the precast concrete production process.

PQS II-Production. An expansion of PQS I topics that includes more complex manufacturing techniques, lean manufacturing, repair procedures, reinforcement, lifting and handling.

PQS II-Technical. An analysis of basic mechanics, design theory, proper lifting, understanding blueprints and industry standards.

PQS II-Quality Assurance/Quality Control. A topical look at the standards required within the NPCA Quality Control Manual and NPCA Plant Certification.

PQS III-Leadership. An exploration of leadership principles to strengthen management skills and cross-cultural workforces.