SIP School

E-Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 3, January 2007

Ramblings from the Director

It's nice to sit back and take a breath after the end of our first year. However, it will have to be a quick breath as the 2007 schedule has been finalized and we've set ourselves up for a very busy upcoming year.

Our successes and failures in 2006 led to some fine-tuning of our various curriculums. We've added new classes and committed some classes to our soon to be launched on-line training. Check the website for updates.

The opportunity to work with and elevate the status of SIP installers has been a specific goal for the SIPschool. The need for qualified installers throughout our industry was the main reason the SIPschool was launched. To help meet this need our flagship class (SIPs 301) has successfully graduated 23 Certified Installers to date. Our graduates report that both the title of Certified Installer and top listing on our SIPschool website have led to several contacts and contracts from the SIP buying public. This approach to connecting consumers to installers and other SIP service providers is proving to be very successful.

If you work in the SIP industry, consider the positive effect of securing formal training for installation work. If you are a member of the buying public, consider the advantages of hiring a dedicated professional who has made a commitment to becoming a better SIP installer. Finally, regardless of how you're connected to the SIP industry, think about the future of SIPs if we continue to allow untrained installers to erect structures that (should?) stand as a testiment to our product.


SIP School 301 Graduating Class December 2006
Front Row: John Ross (Fine Homebuilding), Al Cobb, Gary Pugh (Alternative Building Concepts), Albert Uhrich (Salute Homes, Inc) Dan Nelson (Panelwrights), Rick Becker (Panel Setters Plus, Inc), and Peter Bergford (Scott Homes Inc). Back Row: Doug Elliott (Amishland), Brinson Perkins (BP Marketing), Brian Stevens (Panelwrights), and Charlie Byrd (Intellistructures).
The following individuals have successfully completed all the requirements needed to achieve the status of "Certified SIP Installer". A combination of the written examination and demonstrated proficiencies have been completed to the minimum acceptable level to receive this designation. The SIPschool certifies that these participants have met the school's minimum requirements for this training session.

Rick Becker Panel Setters Plus, Inc.
3014 179th Ave. NW
Andover, MN 55304
(612) 669 8940
panelsetters@msn.com
Peter Bergford Scott Homes, Inc.
3016 10th Ave. NE
Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 791-4644
peter@scotthomes.com
Gary Pugh Alternative Building Concepts, Inc.
9415 Sonoma Hwy. Suite C
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 538-5007
gary@altbuild.com
Brian Stevens Panelwrights, LLC.
808 French Road
Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442
(304) 876-0265
info@panelwrights.com


SIPschool Heads to Orlando

The SIPschool decided many months ago that investing in a booth at the upcoming International Builders' Show Orlando 2007 was a good bet. The show opens in Orlando this February and continues to hold the title of the largest builder show in the world. Many of the SIPschool's graduates will be helping out at the show working the SIPschool booth. If you want to get some insider information on the school and specifically the Certified Installer's Class, the IBS show is the time and place.


Sponsoring Training Around the Country

In an attempt to service companies and individuals who can't travel to Shenandoah Junction, WV (note: who wouldn't want to spend some quality time in Shenandoah Junction??) the school continues to take the show on the road. Our first sponsored training was in Phoenix last September. Our '07 schedule has several openings for sponsored events. If your company is interested in discussing the option of bringing the SIPschool staff to your local venue, contact Annie at the SIPschool office or email her directly at annie@sipschool.org.

Our first sponsored event of 2007 is in conjunction with the International Builders' Show. Structall, a SIP manufacturer located in Central Florida, has committed to sponsoring two classes this February. Check the SIPschool website for class schedules and registration.


SIPs 202 - New Hands-on Class Added

The school has received many requests for a course that falls somewhere between our classroom instruction only 201 class and our advanced installation 301 class. To answer the need for basic hands-on instruction, the SIPschool has launched the new SIPs 202 class. The first session of this class is scheduled February 4-6 in Lakeland, Florida during the Structall sponsored training that will proceed the International Builders' Show. The 202 class is a 3 day course that is split 50/50 between the classroom and shop. Attendees will receive in depth instruction on the design, use, and incorporation of SIPs. In addition, the students will be given the opportunity to use the tools and practice the techniques taught. The class will build simple mock-ups that allow a SIP beginner to understand the basics of SIPs installation.


Student Feedback

Thanks again for the informative and well planned week at SIPschool. I had a great time meeting other builders, installers, etc. who had similar goals in mind of making a business out of SIPs. The presentation and information offered was both insightful and thorough. I have heard about East Coast hospitality too, and you guys live up to the reputation!

Peter Bergford
Scott Homes, Inc.
Olympia, WA


SIPschool Want Ads

Project Manager: Applicants must be knowledgable in SIPs and SIP construction. Individuals should also be well versed in: plan review, shipping logistics, jobsite coordination, communicating with architects, engineers and code officials. Interested persons able to travel and provide attention to detail should send resume to al@sipschool.org. (Confidentiality assured)

Positions available nationwide for qualified SIP draftsmen. Most positions require Auto-Cad or HSB experience. A history of working within the SIP industry should qualify you as an acceptable candidate. Send resume and sample drawings to al@sipschool.org, Confidentiality assured.

Wanted: SIP professional with a well rounded level of experience in manufacturing, fabricating, and installing SIPs. Applicants must be able to travel internationally for extended periods of time to assist in the set up and training of SIPs facilities. Qualified individuals with a proven track record and an adventurous soul should send their resume to al@sipschool.org.

Wanted: Used SIP production equipment. Currently seeking all types of presses, rollcoaters, laminators, and SIP fabrication equipment. Any condition considered. Send equipment description and pertinent information to al@sipschool.org.

Copyright 2007.  SIP School.  All Rights Reserved.