The winter months are all about preparing for the upcoming season. This includes purchasing and pricing strategies, marketing planning, learning about new products, and spending time on training. The right training can take your services to the next level in a very short amount of time. Whether it’s refreshing your team on material/systems they already know or learning a new products or product updates. There are many resources available from manufacturers, industry associations, and Central.
Below you will find a list of six training and certification resources:
1. Nicolock
Nicolock’s comprehensive resource center contains product knowledge, hardscape certification, installation know-how and marketing suggestions. Join the Nicolock Hardscape Pro network and take your business to the next level. Our program includes education, sales training and the support tools you need to increase your sales potential and profitability, enhance your marketability, improve the reach and effectiveness of your advertising efforts, and expand the scope of your professional capabilities.
2. Keystone
Keystone is offering continuing education on their retaining wall systems. Continuing education creates brand awareness, establishes you as product expert and builds relationships that can help you connect with project opportunities = new sales. Courses include information about new Keystone wall products, project ideas and teaches attendees about proper installation and construction techniques to ensure the long-term performance of the walls they build and their business. They also provide sales information, product estimating tips and highlights, available support from Keystone, and the local Keystone manufacturer. Certificate of Completion presented to all who successfully complete. Keystone also offers a 1-Hour Webinar Video Library with 1-hour videos created for the designer, landscape architect, contractor or developer and offer an introduction to Keystone Retaining Wall design and specific construction techniques, as well as their Tech-Talk Video Series of videos which are typically 15 minutes or less and offer guidance, explanations or education on a number of common technical questions.
3. Hardscaper
Learn how to tackle some of the industry’s top challenges through FREE certified on-demand courses, weekly podcast episodes, workshops with experts and more at Hardscaper. Whether you’re looking to gain new construction skills or learn how to market your business, they have got a course for you. Some of which even contribute to your trade certifications!
4. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) offers both online learning as well as local, in-person continuing education certifications for installers of patios, walkways, steps, outdoor living areas, and retaining walls. From installer to designer to entrepreneur, those who have interest, ability, and work ethic can grow into almost every position within their companies.
5. The National Concrete Masonry Association
Expand your knowledge of concrete masonry, segmental retaining walls and manufactured stone veneer with NCMA EDU – professional development for industry personnel, designers and more! NCMA EDU offers an extensive variety of courses designed to elevate the knowledge of professionals in the manufactured concrete products industry. Both online and in-person courses are available for all audiences. Education paths are available for sales professionals, architects, designers, managers, contractors, engineers and it can be jump-started with just a few clicks. With education for those new to the industry and seasoned professionals, there truly is something for everyone.
6. Central Turf & Irrigation Supply
Central helps you train your team members to be even more productive with local classes, access to online education classes, counter training events, and onsite support/training from subject matter experts. Whether you need help with technical troubleshooting, customized training for your team, or product demos and hands-on training, you can rely on Central. Connect with your local Central rep to learn more about the training opportunities that are available to you. We stay at the leading edge of the industry and we’re ready to help you grow!
