The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) announces Stevens Institute of Technology, Alston Construction Company, Inc and World of Concrete as education partners for the 2015 Annual Convention in New Brunswick, N.J on Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.

Each year, the TCA holds an Annual Convention in a different U.S. city, bringing together contractors, developers, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, educators, architects and engineers who share an interest in the tilt-up concrete construction industry. The convention highlights substantial regional issues and brings awareness to the benefits of tilt-up construction. “Creating opportunities for student involvement in these events is critical as we strive to increase awareness of career opportunities within the industry,” said Lindsey Bloomquist, Manager of Communications and Networking for TCA. “Their participation potentially opens doors they never knew existed.”

Alston Construction, a general contractor with offices across the United States, is committed to serving the communities where they live and work. They encourage employees to volunteer their time and energy for causes they believe in and they lead by example. “We are very proud to help provide this opportunity,” said Bob Murray, Vice President and General Manager at Alston Construction. “This next generation has a world of opportunities in front of them. Exposing them to the breadth of opportunities within the industry is the best thing we can do to ensure their continued interest in a career in the construction industry.”

“World of Concrete has a vested interest in the future of the concrete and masonry construction industries,” said Jackie James, Director for World of Concrete (WOC). “Each year we reach out to more than 110 schools of higher learning who offer 2-year or 4-year degree programs in civil/structural engineering or construction management and invite them to attend WOC educational seminars with discounted fees and complimentary exhibits admission. We feel that the value of the trade show experience and interaction with the exhibitors, leading industry associations and other professionals, as well as involvement in the education program, are essential to growing, motivating and encouraging the next generation of construction professionals.”

Stevens Institute of Technology is a premier, private research university located in Hoboken, N.J. As the education partner for this year’s event, Stevens Institute students will be introduced to the basics and benefits of tilt-up construction. They will be involved in a community project, outdoor demonstrations and educational seminars and have the opportunity to network with key players in the industry.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students. We are incorporating TCA’s community project into our Practicum course, which will allow our students to participate from concept to completion,” said Ellyn Lester, Assoc. AIA, a professor in the CM program. “When we were approached about this partnership, I couldn’t believe our good fortune,” Lester continued. “This is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn and develop insights into the tilt-up construction process, to participate in an actual project, and to integrate their newly gained knowledge with the concepts and theories discussed while participating in the national conference.”

This masters-level Construction Management program fosters an immersive educational experience that exposes the student to real world business situations involving leadership, legal issues, safety, marketing, and program management. Theory is integrated with realistic problems that arise in the competitive construction arena. Thus, the program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become active leaders within the Built Environment.

“I’m sure this partnership will last far beyond the scope of this project and the 2015 conference,” said Lester.