Courses

CONCRETE

COURSE

CONCRETE CUTTING & CORING – 40 HOURS / 5 DAYS

This course covers the proper safety, use, and handling of concrete sawing equipment. The course has extensive hands-on training in the use and operation of:

  • Walk-behind saws
  • Hydraulic track-guided wall saws
  • Floor saws
  • Coring & drilling equipment
  • Handheld hydraulic chainsaw
  • Hearing conservation

COURSE

CONCRETE PATCH & REPAIR – 40 HOURS / 5 DAYS

Students learn how to repair both fresh and hardened concrete products. Also covered is learning what causes and how to identify and repair concrete surface defects, such as:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Blisters
  • Sticky mixes
  • Abnormal or inconsistent setting times
  • Rock pockets
  • Applying RACO products
  • Hardened concrete problems

COURSE

CONCRETE PLACEMENT – 80 HOURS / 10 DAYS

Concrete is the most versatile construction material ever invented, and it is used in one application or another on almost every construction project. All construction craft laborers must understand and be able to: 1) prepare for concrete placement; 2) place it correctly, and 3) predict the chemical reactions that will occur when it cures.Concrete is a major job-skill area within the spectrum of work performed by construction craft laborers. This is a “must-have” course for any career laborer.This course includes:

  • Preparing for placement
  • Calculating quantities
  • Cement-to-water ratios
  • Chemical reactions during curing
  • Mixing basics

COURSE

CONCRETE PLACEMENT (ADVANCED) – 80 HOURS / 10 DAYS

This course provides additional information for the more advanced concrete worker. Trainees should have at least 1 year of concrete experience or have completed the Basic Concrete Placement class. This course covers various advanced aspects of concrete placement, including:

  • Materials
  • Specifying the concrete mix
  • Curing materials and methods
  • Air-entrainment of concrete/aggregate
  • Repair – causes and control of cracks
  • Concrete forms and forming
  • Hearing conservation

CONCRETE TRAINING: BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Northwest Laborers-Employers Training Trust (NWLETT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality training and education for construction laborers in the Pacific Northwest. We offer a variety of programs, including construction laborers training, to help develop essential construction skills and prepare individuals for successful careers in the industry. Let’s talk about NWLETT’s concrete training courses, which form an integral part of the organization’s accredited curriculum.

CONCRETE TRAINING COURSES OFFERED BY NWLETT

NWLETT’s concrete training courses are designed to meet specific employer needs within the construction industry. These comprehensive courses cover various aspects of concrete work, providing participants with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the field. The key areas covered in NWLETT’s concrete training courses include:

CONCRETE FORMING

In this course, participants learn the fundamentals of forming for concrete placement. The curriculum covers the following topics:

  • Types of forming systems: Focus on different formwork material options, such as timber, steel, and pre-fabricated systems, along with their advantages and limitations.
  • Formwork design: Understand the factors affecting formwork design, including load-carrying capacity, concrete pressure, and deflection limits.
  • Form setting and bracing: Learn the proper techniques for setting and aligning forms, as well as securing them with bracing to ensure structural support during concrete placement.
  • Formwork components and accessories: Get hands-on experience using various formwork components like ties, fasteners, and clamps, essential for assembling and disassembling forms.
  • Form release agents: Gain knowledge on proper form release agent application to prevent sticking and facilitate a smooth removal of forms after concrete has set.
  • Formwork safety and precautions: Learn about the safety measures and precautions to be taken during the formwork process to minimize risks on-site.

CONCRETE FINISHING

This course equips participants with the essential skills for smoothing, leveling, and texturing concrete surfaces. Key topics covered in the course include:

  • Surface preparation: Understand the importance of substrate preparation for optimal adhesion, including steps such as cleaning, repairing, and surface leveling.
  • Application techniques: Learn different techniques for placing, consolidating, and finishing concrete, like hand finishing and mechanical finishing.
  • Finishing tools and equipment: Familiarize yourself with various tools, such as screeds, floats, trowels, and edgers, for achieving desired surface finishes.
  • Surface treatments: Gain expertise in decorative and protective concrete surface treatments, including brooming, stamping, and staining.
  • Joint placement: Learn how to properly place control joints and expansion joints in concrete slabs to minimize cracking due to shrinkage and thermal expansion.
  • Curing practices: Understand the importance of curing and its different methods, such as wet curing or using curing compounds to ensure optimal strength and durability.

CONCRETE REPAIR

This course focuses on effectively identifying and repairing damaged concrete structures. The key aspects covered in the course include:

  • Damage assessment: Learn techniques to assess damage in concrete structures, including visual inspection, non-destructive testing, and laboratory testing.
  • Repair methods and materials: Understand the various repair methods available, such as crack sealing, patching, and concrete replacement, as well as material selection for different repair situations.
  • Surface preparation for repair: Learn proper surface preparation techniques, such as cleaning damaged areas and ensuring appropriate substrate conditions for optimal repair material adhesion.
  • Repair procedures: Familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for applying repair materials, including mixing, placement, consolidation, and finishing.
  • Protection and reinforcement: Gain knowledge of protective treatments, such as sealants and coatings, as well as techniques to reinforce damaged concrete structures, including the use of steel reinforcement and fiber-reinforced polymers.
  • Maintenance and monitoring: Understand the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the longevity of repaired concrete structures.

These concrete training courses, along with NWLETT’s general construction training courses, help lay the foundation for a successful career in the construction industry.

ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION

All of NWLETT’s training programs, including the concrete training courses, are accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This accreditation ensures that NWLETT’s programs adhere to the highest standards of quality and are recognized by industry employers. Upon successful completion of a concrete training course, participants will receive an NCCER-recognized certificate, verifying their skills and competency in concrete work.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND DURATION

NWLETT’s concrete courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Participants have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills in state-of-the-art facilities. Course durations vary, with some programs taking just a few days while others require several weeks of training.

ENROLLMENT AND PREREQUISITES

No matter your level of experience, NWLETT’s concrete courses cater to a wide range of skill levels. Some courses are designed for beginners, while others are tailored to those with prior experience in concrete work. NWLETT welcomes both union and non-union construction laborers to enroll in their programs.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Graduates from NWLETT’s concrete training courses have a high rate of employment in the construction industry. Obtaining an NCCER-recognized certificate can greatly enhance your job prospects as it demonstrates your competence and expertise in concrete work.

FUNDING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

Funding for NWLETT’s training programs comes from a combination of union dues, employer contributions, and government grants. Qualified individuals may be eligible for financial aid or payment plans to help with course fees.

CONTACT INFORMATION AND TRAINING CENTER LOCATIONS

For more information or to enroll in a concrete training course, visit NWLETT’s contact page. NWLETT maintains five training centers across Washington and Utah, all of which are equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and workshops to facilitate the best learning experience.

TESTIMONIALS AND SUCCESS STORIES

See how NWLETT’s concrete training courses have helped others succeed in the construction industry by reading testimonials from satisfied graduates. These success stories showcase the positive impact of NWLETT’s comprehensive, accredited programs in building skilled professionals and laying the foundation for thriving careers.

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