News Detail

"Sharing the Wealth of . . . Knowledge"

2/1/2005

Our current Strategic Plan defines a number of objectives for ACI's goal of "Knowledge Promulgation"-consultant-speak for getting the information we develop into the hands of those who need it most. I recently discussed the value of networking and learning at our conventions, which provide a terrific opportunity for both formal and informal face-to-face exchanges of information. This month, I'll comment on two other service areas within ACI that are key to our knowledge promulgation efforts: Education and Certification.

ACI's educational activities were formalized in 1970 when the Educational Activities Committee (EAC) was formed to "Increase the Institute's effectiveness in the field of education through the development and implementation of academic and practical educational programs and educational publications." ACI's certification programs had their start when the Certification Committee was created in 1980 to "Develop, maintain, and update programs for use in certification of persons involved in or interested in the field of concrete." Although both of these programs are rather new, relative to our 100-year history, they have become increasingly important functions within the Institute.

In 2004, ACI conducted 70 seminars on materials, design, construction practices, and repair, reaching almost 2000 attendees. In addition to regional seminars, EAC also sponsors convention sessions to help our members improve their committee leadership and meeting conduct skills.

While we have always had successful seminar years after a new ACI 318 Building Code is issued, we believe more can be done to provide seminars that complement and support other newly developed technical documents. Last year, a seminar on Seismic Design for Liquid Containing Concrete Structures based on ACI 350.3-01 was launched at our San Francisco convention with 62 attendees. Given the interest, there obviously was a demand for this information. Coordination of selected seminars with new engineering documents shows how we are now working to better meet industry needs. It also reflects our focus on coordinating activities between our standing committees, in this case EAC and TAC.

We now have certification programs for flatwork finishers; field-, strength-, laboratory-, and aggregate-testing technicians; concrete construction and concrete transportation construction inspectors; tilt-up supervisors; and shotcrete nozzlemen. ACI currently maintains more than 72,000 certifications of individuals residing in 41 countries. Our certification programs are conducted in Spanish and French, and are being developed in Arabic.

I recently visited our India Chapter where they are about to implement ACI certification for concrete construction personnel who work within and outside the country. They view ACI certification as a means of demonstrating a commitment to quality and competency when competing in the global construction marketplace. Simply put, certification improves the quality of concrete construction and the industry should strongly promote the use of certified personnel.

The evolution of ACI education and certification programs is reflected in the Institute's finances. In 1973, educational programs made up only 4% of ACI's operating revenues; they represented about 12% in 2003. Certification revenues were nonexistent in 1973, but accounted for 18% of total operating revenues in 2003. In contrast, during the same time period, publication sales have changed from 54 to 33% of total operating revenues. Dues revenue went from 34 to 28%. While the added financial resources have been essential, we must not lose sight of the fact that ACI is in education and certification not to "make money," but to help build and maintain a knowledgeable, professional workforce-to provide knowledge and information for the best use of concrete. The environment in which we operate will continue to change, and we must provide products and services to meet these changes. Nowhere is this more apparent than in education and certification.

Staff has already developed in-house seminars to offer more cost-effective training for companies. Partnering as we have with agencies such as FHWA allows us to provide targeted training in specific industry sectors. EAC and staff are evaluating options for distance learning, electronic products for providing professional development hours, and other web-based tools to reduce the cost of knowledge delivery. Similar efforts are underway for our certification programs. We will continue to look for better, faster, and lower cost options for ACI to deliver knowledge of concrete.

As always, your feedback is welcome.

Anthony E. Fiorato, President
American Concrete Institute
fiorato@CTLGroup.com

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