Ramblings from the Director:

The SIPschool is pleased to report that our third year of operation is shaping up to be as exciting as the first two. I owe a debt of gratitude to all the people who have supported and promoted our efforts towards educating the SIP industry. If the feedback from our students (link to the Our Students are Talking page) is any indication, the SIPschool is achieving our goal of providing unbiased education that is worth the time and money.

The first '08 session of SIPschool's Installation for SIP Professionals: Certified Installer Workshop proved to be a spectacular class. Once again we drew a diverse mix of professionals from all across North America who learned not only from the SIPs 301 curriculum, but each other as well. A special thanks to Murus for sponsoring our celebratory final night barbeque. Chris Bloom was on site to provide information about Murus and to further our knowledge about the capabilities and advantages of their urethane panels.



SIP School 301 Graduating Class June 2008

Front Row: Dan Nelson (Instructor, SIPschool), Joseph Idacavage (Emerald Isle, NC), David Solaz (GreenParadigm LLC, Southbury, CT), Richard Rosenbloom (Chattahoochee Timberframes, Atlanta, GA), Pete Moncada (Coastal Carolina Construction, Mt. Pleasant, SC), Michael Holland (Masterpiece Construction, Auburn, CA), David Rust (DRBR, Inc., Cambridge, MD), Troy Langham (Langham Timber Frames, Lucernemines, PA), Robin Loughran (Bridlewood Builders, Harrisburg, PA)

Second Row: Joe Jack White (Pass Christian, MS), Brett Pollard (EcoSIPs, Duncan, BC), Matthew Longstaff (Pass Christian, MS)

Third Row: Kerry Pittington (Pittington Design and Build, Hedgesville, WV), Chris Cleland (GreenChoice Manufacturing, Mesa, AZ), Chad Gauthier (Pinnacle Enterprises LLC, Harpers Ferry, WV), Chris Hartbarger (Swannanoa, NC)

The Staff at the SIPschool is pleased to add these highly qualified individuals to our list of Certified Installers.

The individuals listed above 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.

Changes to SIPs 301 Certified Installer Requirements
The many changes we make here at the school are designed to make our services better, more accessible, and more far reaching. A big change that is being implemented is the upgrade to our Certified Installer minimum standards. The SIPs 301 class has undergone a name change to more accurately reflect the course content. Beginning with the October 2008 class, the 301 course will be referred to as "Installation for SIP Professionals". The previous title of "Certified Installer Workshop" led to some confusion that any student who took the course would automatically be a Certified Installer. The new name and standards will eliminate this confusion, and open the class to participation from a larger audience. In addition, the minimum standards for a "Certified Installer" as defined by SIPschool are as follows:

- Complete the SIPs 301 class
- Pass the written test
- Have completed 3 installs within the past 24 months
- Hold applicable state licenses and insurance

In addition, Certified Installers will be required to fulfill minimum yearly requirements as follows:

- 5 CE credits per year
- 2 referenced jobs per year
- Maintain up to date licenses and insurance

These requirements, I believe, will help separate the TRUE professionals from the rest of the industry. Our SIPs 301 class is structured to elevate the knowledge of industry professionals. Our minimum requirements will help us to promote our graduates as competent SIP professionals.

SIPschool at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Roseville, MN
July 29-31, 2008

Approval Pending for Seven Continuing Education Credit Hours
for Minnesota Building Contractors (Day One Classroom Only)

Interested individuals can register for Day One (classroom portion only) or the full Three Day course.



The Eco Experience presented by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is a unique showcase of environmentally friendly, sustainable services and products in an atmosphere that is innovative, interactive and educational. Since 2006, the exhibit has drawn over 700,000 visitors interested in products and services that represent the best in "green" building technology, energy efficiency, alternate fuels, vehicles and transportation, solar and wind energy, reductions in waste and pollution, air and water conservation and organic farming.

Panelworks Plus, Inc. of St. Francis, MN and Extreme Panel Technologies, Inc. of Cottonwood, MN have been partners in the Eco Experience since it's inception and now welcome the SIPschool to participate in the set up of the 2008 Eco Home. The use of SIPs in the floor, walls and roof will give those attending the SIPschool an excellent opportunity to learn the versatility of SIPs and the techniques required for quick, safe and efficient installation.

Building with SIPs Seminar Denver, CO August 1, 2008
Location: Doubletree Hotel Denver - North (Westminster, CO)



The SIPschool is bringing their industry recognized training to the Denver/Boulder, Colorado area on August 1, 2008. Building with SIPs is a six hour seminar designed for Builders, Framers, Architects and homeowners who are exploring the possibilities of working with Structural Insulated Panels. Al Cobb, the school's director, will be teaching the unbiased facts about SIPs. Guest speaker Michael Morley, author of "Building With SIPs", will discuss the SIP industry and its impact on the global building environment.

Panelpalooza 2008 in Cancun, Mexico


If the feedback is any indication, the SIPschool's Inaugural Certified Installer Recertification Event was a resounding success. Our meeting took place February 22 - 26, 2008 at the beautiful Cancun Palace Resort. Returning students attended two morning seminars which included the information discussions on industry trends, recertification, and the year in review. However, it was agreed that the greatest benefit to everyone was the opportunity to network with other SIP professionals.

SIPschool visits North Bay, Ontario

Our two man team of trainers ventured north to Kent Trusses, Inc. in early May . Host Geordie Secord provided the school the opportunity to offer a three day session to Kent Truss employees as well as surrounding area contractors. Follow this link http://www.almaguinregion.com/almaguin/article/104361 to read the article about our visit.

If your company is interested in discussing the option of bringing the SIPschool staff to your local venue, contact Annie at the SIPschool office 304-876-8494 or email her directly at annie@sipschool.org.

Shepherdstown/Shenandoah Junction WV classes for the rest of 2008
(Click here to view the classes)

Your information on the SIPschool website
Take advantage of the opportunity to present your company's information by filling out the SIPschool Company Questionnaire. It's free, and allows potential clients to compare your information with that of others in the industry. Your company information is available on our SIPschool website to SIPA members and SIPschool alumni.

Contact Us

You can reach us in the SIPschool office at 304-876-8494 or via email at info@sipschool.org