Report of the MCAA Education Committee

Words: Andy Sneed

Wall Bracing Book

The MCAA is rolling out the new Wall Bracing book at this year’s convention. The book has been updated to keep up with the current code cycle. Anyone who has a book will need to purchase a new book in order to keep up as well. There are some significant changes to the book and contractors need to be aware of these changes. The book needs to adapt to the code changes and the book will be cyclical as are typical code related books. The Wall Bracing education program being held at the Convention will highlight the significant changes and will be utilizing the new text. It is very important that everyone have the new copy on hand at the jobsite. Having an old copy will not look good with the OSHA inspectors who have copies of the new standard as well.

Webinars

The MCAA has offered a number of new webinars on a vast array of topics this year. Most of them are conveniently online and very easy and affordable to access. The new series of webinars coming out in late February will be by far one of the strongest offerings of programs to date for MCAA. There is a green program that has been specifically developed for contractors to show them how masonry is a green product and how they can convey that message through their installation of the product. Later in the series we will offer our very first safety series and will have several safety offerings to cover one of contractors greatest concerns. In addition, you will notice a variety of programs specifically aimed at our South 40 group which is now the official presenters of the webinar series.

New Classes

The MCAA is very excited to present the availability of live versions of the green for contractor’s series. Later this Spring and Summer contractors will be able to participate in the live version of this class. We expect that as our new “Green” sub-committee picks up steam that additional offerings in this area will be brought to contractors.

Course Offerings

The MCAA has several courses already pre-booked by outside folks for the 2011 New Year. There will be two Wall Bracing Programs offered in Indiana in March and an MQI course in Texas in March. Offering courses in your area can be very easy and there are plenty of opportunities for local associations to work cooperatively with MCAA to offer many of our programs and add to the profitability of the local group. Your company can also buy out a special Wall Bracing, Codes or just about any other program the MCAA offers. For more details, contact Sharyl at the MCAA office.
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