The PCI Foundation, a non-for-profit educational and scientific association affiliated with the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), has made a five-year commitment to the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program.
The CIM Program is a joint initiative between academic institutions and leaders from the concrete industry designed to provide a curriculum that prepares today's students to become the concrete industry leaders of tomorrow. Its stated purpose is to produce broadly educated graduates grounded in basic construction management, knowledgeable of concrete technology and techniques, and able to manage people and systems to promote products or services related to the concrete industry.
"This mission fits perfectly with the goals of the PCI Foundation," said foundation chairman Thomas J. D'Arcy, "to cultivate productive relationships between the industry and the academic community and to develop and attract high-potential students to productive careers within our industry.
"Accordingly," D'Arcy added, "we are pleased to join forces with the Concrete Industry Management Program in their efforts to develop concrete industry-related courses and internships within the academic community. Such programs can go a long way to provide for the future success of the concrete construction industry by helping ensure the continued availability of talented people."
The concrete industry in the United States employs more than 500,000 people in a variety of careers. Collectively, these people build a high percentage of the roads, bridges, dams, office buildings, retail stores, institutional and industrial structures, parking garages, dormitories, and residential units in this country.
The CIM curriculum includes general studies requirements, business and engineering classes, construction management coursework, and concrete industry-related courses. The latter includes courses on the fundamentals of aggregates, cement and admixtures; mix proportioning and strength testing; concrete construction methods and applications; industry codes and standards; the management of production facilities; problem diagnosis and prevention; and an industry internship program.
Originally founded at Middle Tennessee State University in 1996, the CIM Program has since expanded to Arizona State University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and California State University, Chico. To date, more than 200 people have graduated from the program.
PCI has been dedicated to advancing the precast/prestressed concrete industry and supporting our members since 1954. Today, a growing network of more than 2000 professional members continues to redefine the technical landscape of the industry. PCI also serves more than 500 producer and associate members. The organization is international in scope and influence.
For further information, contact PCI at 209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60606-6938, phone 312-786-0300, fax 312-786-0353, or e-mail info@pci.org.
This article is a press release from the PCI Foundation. It was not written by a member of the CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION editorial staff.
