The Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn Tech) is finalizing the development of a two-year Associate Degree in Concrete Technology, reports NRMCA Senior Director, Local Paving, Phil Kresge. The program will be conducted through the college’s School of Construction & Design Technologies. According to Penn Tech instructor Frank Reber, this will be only the third program of its kind in the U.S. The course load will focus on the practical aspects of concrete construction, with an emphasis on forming, placing and finishing concrete. Students will also learn estimating, concrete testing and how to prevent/resolve problems related to concrete production, construction and performance. Additional course material, such as basic accounting, will prepare graduates to be able to run their own concrete contracting businesses. The program will begin in the Fall 2017 semester.

To assist in the development of the program, Penn Tech has reached out to the concrete industry to form an advisory board. In addition to Kresge, those chosen to serve on the board include Susan Armstrong, Central Builders Supply; Shawn McCoy, Centre Concrete; Ed Groninger, Admixtures, Inc.; Doug Cassat, Lehigh Cement and Ken Crank, Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association.