A record 94 Master Precaster graduates were honored during the Keynote Luncheon on the opening day of The Precast Show in Indianapolis. In addition to a certificate, the newly anointed Master Precasters receive a highly coveted gold hard hat.
Since its inception in 2012, 527 men and women have received the Master Precaster designation. The program began with one graduate in its first class, with numbers steadily climbing each year. In the past three years, the graduate count has jumped to record heights and is only expected to grow.
The rapid growth is significant because the title of Master Precaster is no easy thing to achieve.
THE PATH TO MASTER PRECASTER
The Master Precaster Program is a precast-specific training program through NCPA’s Production & Quality School and includes comprehensive education courses on production, safety, technical, quality control and leadership. It can be completed by taking six courses online and in person.
“It’s been built on the needs of the members,” said Wilbert Precast’s Brandy Rinkle, Chair of NPCA’s Education Committee. “It’s designed specifically for their employees.”
The program typically takes at least two years to complete. The rigorous schedule provides some flexibility with online courses.
A hopeful Master Precaster’s path begins with PQS I, now offered online. The course covers the basic body of knowledge that all employees at a precast concrete plant should have. Veterans of the precast concrete industry, including the late Mel Marshall, developed the comprehensive program to address the key fundamentals of quality precasting. It covers each critical step of the production process from start to finish, including batching and mixing, reinforcement, production practices and quality control.
The next step requires participants to complete the PQS II – Safety: Precast Module and have a valid OSHA card. PQS II – Safety examines safety issues associated with the precast production process. Upon completion of the course, participants can identify safety hazards, apply techniques and implement programs to improve safety, lead toolbox talks and develop action plans to address concerns.
PQS II – Production is the first of the required courses to be offered in person. It is held annually for two days ahead of The Precast Show.
The Production course is designed for plant personnel who will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of precast-specific production practices. It goes beyond the fundamentals explored in PQS I to prepare students to become production leaders in their plants. Topics include concrete lean manufacturing, repair procedures and techniques, reinforcement, and lifting and handling. Participants are engaged in hands-on learning that challenges their knowledge and teamwork skills.
The next course, PQS II – Technical is offered annually as a webinar. Utilizing NPCA’s engineers and other industry experts, Technical explores the technical aspects of the manufactured concrete production process. The course focuses on basic mechanics, the basics of design theory for concrete elements, proper lifting of products, reading and understanding blueprints and standards and specifications.
A math prep course is required to complete the five-day webinar course.
PQS II – QA/QC rounds out the Level 2 courses. Offered online, the course stresses the importance of a well-executed QA/QC program to a successful precast operation. It covers aggregate gradation analysis, aggregate moistures and hot- and cold-temperature concrete. Participants learn why the water-to-cement ratio is so critical to concrete properties and the need for frequent testing to assess water absorption and movement in concrete.
The final course to secure your Master Precaster title is PQS III – Leadership. This course will help you reach the next stage of your career, whether you are looking to hone your leadership skills or expand your career opportunities. The course explores current leadership principles to strengthen your management style and skills with traditional and cross-cultural workforces.
The course is offered annually leading up to The Precast Show.
BENEFITS FOR EVERYONE
While some might see the Master Precaster program as intended for those just starting out in the industry, it’s designed for everyone, from someone in their first year at a precast facility to those with years of experience looking to improve or move into a new, more challenging role.
“Being raised in precast my whole life, I thought I knew everything about precast,” said Allen Lee of Lee’s Precast Concrete. “So, I started that program, and I learned a lot. All different aspects of what we do every day are covered in that program.”