ForConstructionPros.com

As a professional teaching institute, we strive to provide training in a realistic atmosphere so students get a feel for what they can expect in the real world. An example of this is a recent stamped concrete class in which we actually poured 28 cubic yards over the course of three days in addition to teaching sealing, form setting, shooting elevations and how to operate a Bobcat for grading. Teaching in this fashion is going to do one of two things:

1. It will show the realities of this physically demanding aspect of the market, possibly leaving students whooped with no desire of pursuing the business and potentially saving them thousands of dollars, or
2. They will actually become motivated and go back into their markets and succeed with their newfound education.

With a down economy and a highly competitive market, we realize that training needs to go beyond learning how much concrete to stamp or how to create beautiful and dazzling stain designs. In addition to a ton of practical hands-on training through a full day of stamping, staining or pouring countertops, we look at other ways we can help students. An example of this can be seen in something we recently implemented to our curriculum - finishing the day off with open round table discussions, shop talk if you will.

Round table discussions are a great way to wind down the day (especially with some cool beverages on hand) and discuss the business management side of running a decorative concrete company with such topics as "how to sell your work," "the next step after attending formal training," "the most practical way to market your business," "how to interact with a client who asks sensitive questions like, 'you're 15 percent higher than the other two contractors, why should I go with you?'," and "tile is cheaper so why would I choose concrete?"