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Concrete Plans for Future SuccessAlpena Community College Has Established Itself as a Leader in Concrete Technology EducationBy Brian Warkoczeski, June 2008
You drive on it. Your house's foundation is built on it.
People even use it for their kitchen countertops.
Not sure what "it" is? It is concrete, and Alpena Community
College (ACC) has become a leader in teaching the techniques and
applications of concrete.
Started in 1954 as a training program for
the Besser Company, the concrete technology program
became part of ACC's curriculum in 1964
and established itself as a leader in the field with
the completion of the World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT),
an $8 million research and education facility.
Finished in August 2000, the WCCT is a partnership between
the concrete and concrete products industries,
ACC, the State of Michigan,
the U.S. Department of Commerce EDA, and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
At over 42,000 square feet,
the WCCT contains the finest in
audio-visual facilities and
has a high-speed connection to Merit Network's backbone network
and a connection to Internet2, provided by Merit.
Building Knowledge and ExperienceThe unique educational experience that ACC offers
students enrolled in its Concrete Technology program
includes operating a concrete block manufacturing plant,
using computerized batching equipment in lab experiments, and
testing concrete in an environment room.
Students can obtain a nationwide certification
that will allow them to practice their craft anywhere in the
United States upon completing their program, and most students
receive four to six job offers after their graduation.
In addition, the World Center for Concrete Technology
offers Master Blockmaker™ in-person and online workshops,
where concrete and concrete product companies can
provide their employees with specialized training
through ACC. After successfully completing five
classes, students can attain the title of Master Blockmaker.
The Master Blockmaker program regularly attracts students
from across the United States and around the world.
Students can travel to Alpena for hands-on training
or use a Windows-based computer with an Internet
connection for online training.
Testing & ResearchIn addition to a top-notch educational programs,
ACC's World Center for Concrete Technology
assists concrete manufacturers with research and testing
of new or experimental products.
WCCT staff has conducted research on admixtures, pigments,
slags, ground glass, plastic, rubber, solid waste and more.
Researchers use individually controlled bays to steam and
mist cure test materials at different temperatures.
ACC's testing lab is located adjacent to its
manufacturing laboratory and is available
to test materials and products by ASTM standards.
ACC researchers can provide customers with confidential
case studies at the WCCT or companies can lease
the advanced facilities at the Besser concrete products plant
to conduct their own research.
The variety of training and research opportunities
available to students and companies through Alpena
Community College has established the World Center for Concrete Technology
as the premier concrete technology facility in the United States.
After more than 30 years, ACC has proven that concrete results
are attained with top-notch facilities, faculty, and programs.
About Alpena Community CollegeFounded in 1952, Alpena Community College
is located on 700 acres in Alpena, Michigan.
ACC offers numerous associate degrees and certificates.
They have been a Member of Merit Network
since November 1995. Merit has provided an Internet2
connection to ACC since March 2006.
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