ICPI, NCMA launch training program for hardscape beginners

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and the National Concrete Masonry Association have teamed up to create the new Hardscape Installer/Contractor Career Path.

Hindered by a lack of personnel trained and willing to tackle the increasing number of requests for hardscape work across the country, ICPI representatives say their new program is aimed to help the industry recruit young professionals into the field.

The program is a four-step process that first gets beginners to attend two-day boot camps that’ll start springing up nationwide. Next, the program aims to help interested participants get certified before obtaining specialist designations. Finally, the program developers hope courses starting next fall will help professionals stay sharp on what they’ve learned in the previous three steps.

“Starting with students out of high school and post-secondary schools, this is really a path to have a career as a hardscape contractor,” ICPI executive director Charles McGrath said. “Ideally, we want to bring young people into the industry because what we’re finding is the experienced installers are now getting older, and we really need a whole new group to come in.”

For more information on the program or upcoming boot camps, visit icpi.org/educate.