Production and Quality School (PQS) - Education

The Production & Quality School is NPCA’s baseline educational course offering. It is a 14-hour course thoroughly covering the basic body of knowledge that all employees at a precast concrete plant should have.

The course is taught by industry professionals who have many years of experience in their field. Current topics covered include:

PQS concludes with an exam, which the student is required to pass in order to obtain a certificate of course completion.

All NPCA certified plants are required to have appropriately trained quality control personnel and PQS is the perfect course to fulfill that requirement. Click here for more information about the NPCA Plant Certification Program.

WHAT IS THE PQS LEVEL I COURSE?
NPCA’s Production & Quality School (PQS) is a comprehensive, two-day program devoted to addressing the key fundamentals of quality precasting. Taught by veteran industry experts, the PQS Level I course covers each critical step of the concrete production process from start to finish.
Course participants will discuss:
• Batching and mixing – The fundamental components needed to ensure a durable, watertight and strong finished product
• Reinforcement – The role of reinforcement and its impact on handling and placement
• Production Practices – An overview of the entire production process from pre-pour to post-pour operations
• Quality Control – A discussion of the top priorities identified by QC Inspectors as well as the importance quality control processes play in your company’s success
Add-on Option:
PQS Level I participants are invited to stay for PQS Prestress Level I following the PQS exam. This two hour session is an introduction to prestressing. Topics include: prestressing terminology, stressing procedures, equipment, industry standards and quality control.

WHAT IS PQS II – TECHNICAL?
Created to build upon the essentials covered during PQS I, this two-day course explores the technical aspects of the manufactured concrete production process.
PQS II participants will focus on five key areas:
• Basic Mechanics – The fundamental aspects related to stress, strain and stiffness
• Basics of Design Theory for Concrete Elements – A discussion of the mechanical properties of concrete and steel, complete with demonstrations
• Proper Lifting of Concrete Elements – The essentials to prevent unexpected movements or failures
• Reading and Understanding Blueprints – An overview of the basics of blueprint reading and reinforcement as it relates to plans
• Standards – A discussion of the process used to determine specifications, the development of standards and the requirements to obtain them
The PQS II –Technical course curriculum has been developed to decode technical industry jargon and to provide attendees with a better understanding of the entire precasting process.
*Please note successful completion of the standard PQS Level I course or the PQS Level I Online course since 2000 is a prerequisite to participate in the PQS Level II – Technical course.

What is PQS II – QA/QC?
Quality Control is key to success in the precast concrete industry. A well-executed Quality Control program can decrease errors, increase profits, improve safety and enhance employee morale. Learning how to build an effective Quality Control program, why it is important, and how to get top management to support it can immediately begin paying huge dividends for your plant. PQS Level II – Quality Control supports the NPCA Plant Certification program by assisting participants in developing and managing an effective plant Quality Control program based upon the NPCA Quality Control Manual. If your plant is an NPCA Certified Plant or looking to become one, this course is for you. Course topics include:

What is PQS III – Production Leadership?
Solidify your skills with NPCA’s Production Leadership curriculum. Learn how to become a leader within the precast and prestressed concrete industry with instructors who not only understand the industry but also understand how to make good leaders great. Designed for individuals who have completed their core Level II coursework, Level III courses offer management and leadership training. Whether you are looking to hone your leadership skills or expand your career opportunities, the Level III Leadership coursework will help you reach the next stage of your career. The PQS III – Production Leadership curriculum will explore current leadership principles that will strengthen your management styles and leadership skills with traditional and cross-cultural workforces at precast concrete manufacturing facilities. Course topics include:

Taught by industry experts, the Mix Design course provides those who have mastered the precasting basics with an in-depth look at how to achieve maximum product performance.

how each step in the proportioning of a mixture relates to the properties of fresh and hardened concrete
creating the perfect mix for each job
the role specific admixtures play in improving performance

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