The Tilt-Up Concrete Association is committed to engage, inspire and support students interested in tilt-up construction. To help fulfill this commitment, each year the TCA invites students to participate in the Tilt-Up Convention and Expo. Whether they are just being introduced to the building system, there to better understand the process, or to engage with industry professionals, student participation is vital to the success of the convention every year.

Thanks to this year’s Education Partners, Alliance Architects, Inc. and World of Concrete, the TCA was able to welcome Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students from the Richardson Independent School District (RISD), as well as Construction Management students from North Lake College. North Lake College’s Construction Management program is the oldest and largest accredited two-year program in the country, one of only 11 of its kind accredited by the American Council for Construction Education.

“World of Concrete was again pleased to support the Tilt-Up Concrete Association’s education program,” said Jackie James, director of World of Concrete’s Global Exhibitions. “Providing education for students, concrete producers, contractors, erectors, designers and architects on this innovative concrete construction application ensures safer, durable, and cost-effective projects.”

Students who attended this year’s convention were able to get hands on with the latest products and technology in the industry, attend a Tilt-Up 101 session, participate in the Outdoor Demo, and network with industry leading professionals from across the country.

“We were so excited to partner with the TCA and bring students to convention!” said Demetra Sinnie, career & technical education advisor for RISD. “Introducing students to the tilt-up building system and possible careers in the industry opened doors they may never have known existed.”

The mission of Richardson Independent School District is to serve and prepare all students for their global future. Providing students with profound curriculum, student-focused teachers, and interesting and varied extracurricular opportunities all contribute to engaging students in their educational life. “Involvement in organizations like the TCA helps students develop a connection to school and is important in fostering self-esteem, teamwork, and positive social interaction,” said Sinnie.

Alliance Architects, Inc. (AAI) participates in two internship programs through RISD, The Professional Internship Program (PIP) and the Berkner Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Academy. “As a company that already works so closely with the Richardson Independent School District, we were thrilled to get to welcome students to the Tilt-Up Convention this year,” said Marceen Woods, associate at Alliance Architects, Inc. “It’s so important to keep them engaged, give them hands on experience, and really make them feel comfortable to ask questions and get involved in this ever changing industry,” said Woods.

As always, the TCA strongly encourages students interested in tilt-up construction to utilize the numerous resources that are available. Through the TCA and its education partners, students have the opportunity to attend events, get their hands on tilt-up related resources, network with industry professionals across the country and even have their tilt-up projects published in Tilt-Up Today.

If you are a student or educator looking to get involved with the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, please contact Lindsey Bloomquist, manager of communications and networking, at lbloomquist@tilt-up.org or call (319) 895-6911.