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About Simpson Strong-Tie Workshops & Training
For the past several decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has made training customers a priority and has committed the resources necessary to provide some of the best industry training available. As the industry leader in structural system solutions, Simpson continues to offer its customers the most relevant and up-to-date training programs to help improve product installations and reduce the cost of construction.
Simpson's training efforts are focused on improving building standards and the overall safety of structures. With eight training facilities across North America, including a brand new training center in Eagan, Minnesota, Simpson provides hundreds of complimentary classes to engineers, architects, builders and code officials each year. In 2007, we trained more than 12,000 customers on-site. The number of classes and attendees continues to grow annually.
Simpson's course offerings include a broad range of topics from anchor system installation and engineered wood frame construction to seismic and high wind design. Simpson also incorporates the latest building code updates and industry trends into its training curriculum. There are introductory courses as well as more advanced workshops for repeat and seasoned customers.
Simpson typically offers full-day workshops from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are often tailored toward specific audiences to ensure that the training is appropriate and effective. Many courses are team-taught by registered engineers to provide in-depth technical expertise in the subject matter. While much of the instruction is technical in nature, many real-life examples and hands-on demonstrations are provided to help attendees to fully understand the material presented.
"The workshops are very interactive," says Charlie Roesset, National Training Manager for Simpson Strong-Tie. "Depending on the course, students may have the opportunity to view product samples, or take part in product testing and installations."
Simpson's training courses have been well-received by professionals within the building community. "There's no other manufacturer who provides such extensive training programs as Simpson," says Roesset. "Specifiers and building officials have come to rely on these courses to keep abreast of the latest code updates and technical information."
Training participants receive a certificate of attendance with professional development hours (PDHs) at the end of each workshop, and may earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by completing additional requirements. Simpson is a registered education provider with a number of industry organizations and associations including IACET, CSI, SEA, ICBO, BIA, CABO, AIBO, ACIA, and AIBD.
Fred Bentzien, S.E. with BAE Structural Engineering, has been a regular attendee at Simpson's workshops. He says the training keeps him informed of topics relevant to his industry and is a great way to keep up with his professional development hours. "Some of the courses offered by other groups are just not that interesting and they can be quite expensive. Simpson's programs are interesting, hands-on and free. It's the whole package."
Simpson's workshops are regularly updated to reflect changes within the industry. The company has recently increased its number of high wind workshops in the Gulf Coast. With new building standards expected for that area, Simpson is working with building officials, specifiers and builders to provide hurricane and high wind design information to increase structural safety. The company was also one of the first to offer information on corrosion and pressure-treated wood when CCA was phased out in 2004.
Simpson Strong-Tie also provides training at customer locations. In 2003, Simpson launched its training program for builders. The training classes are held at the jobsite and cover essential information on the correct installation of Simpson products. Training materials are offered in both English and Spanish. (Click here for more information about the program.)
To learn more about Simpson's training programs or to sign up for a workshop, visit www.strongtie.com/workshops.