Education Opportunities in the Trenchless Technology Industry
Educational opportunities are abundant in most industries. College degree programs offer a multitude of coursework based on a wide variety of vocations. Medical, business, IT, and engineering are just a few industries that have college courses to help expand knowledge. There are also many continuing education programs available to choose from to advance your knowledge in your particular field.
Trenchless Technology Institutions
The Trenchless Technology industry is no different and has opportunities for continued education. However, there are not many college courses available relating to Trenchless Technology. The advanced learning institutions that do offer related trenchless technology training have limited courses. The institutions include Poly Pomona, Louisiana Tech University, Fleming College, Centre for Advancement of Trenchless Technology (CATT), and Centre for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE).
Trenchless Technology Organizations
Industry professionals wanting to further their education that cannot attend a university will rely on manufacturers and industry organizations for continued education opportunities. North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF) and NASSCO are some of the industry organizations that develop training and certification programs.
These programs cover topics specific to the Trenchless Technology industry and include grouting, manhole rehabilitation, pipe bursting, slip lining, and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). These organizations offer presentations and white papers through the various trade shows that they organize and through individual in-person or online virtual sessions.
Trenchless Technology Trade Shows
Some of the trade shows that offer educational opportunities are Water & Wastewater Equipment Treatment and Transport (WWETT), No-Dig Show, ACE, Water Equipment Fair (WEQ), Underground Construction Technology Show (UCT), American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), ASCE Pipelines, 5 Cities Conference, Tristate Seminar, The Exchange, WEF Collections Conference, regional Trenchless Technology societies such as Midwest Society of Trenchless Technology (MSTT), and local water environment associations such as Ohio Water Environment Association (OWEA).
Another resource for Trenchless Technology Education is Back Municipal Consulting (BMC). BMC offers education sessions in over 20 topics. NASSCO certification courses and full day webinars based on focused topics such as pressure pipe, large diameter pipe rehabilitation, assessment and pipe rehabilitation.
Trenchless Technology Publications
There are also several publications that are geared toward the trenchless technology industry. Trenchless Technology magazine offers articles, product showcases and other information that promotes education within the industry. Underground Construction Technology has a more diverse focus but does include information about Trenchless technology. Some of the other publications include I&I Magazine, Municipal Water & Sewer, Dig Different, Pumper, and Cleaner Magazine.
Trenchless Technology Certifications
Two significant certifications offered in the Trenchless Technology industry are the NASSCO Inspector Training and Certification Program for Manhole Rehabilitation (ITCP-MR) and for Cured-in-Place Pipe (ITCP-CIPP).
These certifications are one-of-a-kind industry certification that teaches the appropriate information needed to perform inspections for the Trenchless Technology industry. The programs were developed by current industry professionals that are considered experts in their field.
The programs teach the inspectors how to assess the old structures and pipes with rehabilitation in mind. It discusses which pipes and manholes can be rehabilitated and what conditions prevent it. The course explains the different materials, installation practices and testing methods that are required for a rehabilitation project.
The Importance of Getting Certified
With a certified ITCP inspector onsite an owner can have peace of mind that the inspector has the knowledge to make sure the contractor is following industry-standard techniques and procedures. The inspector can observe the necessary testing that is required and evaluate the results.
Certified professionals can make much-needed educated decisions that could otherwise bog down engineers or utility owners. Certification courses are typically 12 hours of instruction and 50-question tests. 80% is a passing grade. The courses range in price from $1000-$1200. There are many times and dates to choose from. The courses can be taken either in person or virtually.
