Commercial Modular-Installation Course Is Well-Received
Published 02.29.2008
Industry representatives from around the United States and Canada participated in the inaugural Commercial Modular Installation and Site Management Course at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a joint venture of the Factory Built Housing Center at Penn College and the Modular Building Institute, Charlottesville, Va.
Initially planned for a class of 20, the event welcomed 72 industry representatives who convened on campus Feb. 28-29 to learn more about what the commercial modular industry calls its "industry recommended practices."
The activity was offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 28 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 29.
"We are overwhelmed by the response," said Frederick G. "Rick" Terry, director of the factory built housing program at the college. "Initially, MBI was going to use this as a trial run to work out the kinks of the program before taking it nationwide to its members. MBI sent the notice of the trial run to its members a month ago; almost immediately, we were inundated with registrations."
The course was developed to mirror the Introduction to Construction and Site Management of Modular Homes course conducted by the FBHC. The center has conducted 80 residential modular-training events with more than 1,800 participants around the country and is recognized by industry as a top training source for residential modular construction.
While residential housing has faced a downturn in overall business, commercial construction has maintained a steady level of activity. Modular construction has made an impact on the commercial industry, as well.
The course addresses issues such as job-site safety, site preparation, blueprint reading, setting the unit, plumbing/electrical requirements and finishing the project.
Upon completing the lecture portion of the course, participants are tested. Those who pass receive a certificate of completion that is recognized throughout the industry.
The FBHC and MBI plan to review the course results and evaluations to make any necessary adjustments before offering it nationally.
For more information, call (570) 327-4768 or e-mail .