Under an agreement with Mitacs, CPCI is pleased to offer one scholarship at $20,000 per year, renewable upon satisfactory approval for a second year, for a total of $40,000. The Sonia Saari Memorial Scholarship is available for graduate or post graduate Engineering or Achitecture students in the field of precast or prestressed concrete related research, design or construction for the 2023-2024 academic year. The student must have achieved a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a Canadian accredited program by the summer of 2023.
Download the 2023 Scholarship Brochure and the 2023 Application Form.
Learn more about previous recipients and their research:
Looking for a job in the precast concrete industry? We are hiring - Come Build With Us!
As the need for fast and efficient construction continues to increase, the precast concrete industry is growing and we’re looking for passionate and hardworking people to come work with us! For more information about job opportunities and reasons to work in the precast concrete industry, watch this video and check out this brochure. Make sure to visit CPCI’s employment page to see current job openings in our growing industry: www.cpci.ca/jobs.
Precast Studios
The PCI Foundation in the United States initially developed the Precast Studios as collaborative education opportunities pairing local precast producers with architectural and structural engineering programs at leading universities. Since 2007, the PCI Foundation has focused on providing curriculum development grants for schools to allow professors to partner with local precast producers, engineers, and architects to create unique content that cultivates productive relationships between the precast industry and the academic community, develops high-potential students for productive careers within the industry and facilitates including precast concrete information and technologies in university curricula.
In the fall of 2016, the CPCI Board of Directors approved a similar program for Canadian implementation, with the first ever CPCI Precast Studio at Dalhousie University School of Architecture in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Precast Studios provide a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, learn more about precast concrete, develop new technical skills and work with local industry partners as part of their school program. It is also an opportunity for the precast industry to gain insights into the imaginations and goals of future leaders in the architecture and design industry
Click here to download the Precast Studio Brochure.
HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL PARTICIPATE?
CPCI is currently looking to partner with schools across Canada that offer architecture or architectural technology programs that might be interested in developing their own precast studio program as part of their curriculum. The Precast Studio can be customized for your school based on your program and student’s needs. CPCI and industry members can assist with funding for this program and can provide additional information and resources to professors who wish to learn more about this exciting initiative.
For more information on the precast concrete studio program and to find out how you can get involved, please contact us by email at info@cpci.ca or by phone at 1-877-937-2724.
Precast for Profs and Students
Learn on Demand Educational Courses
CPCI’s Learn on Demand Prefab Precast Concrete is a new and free platform that hosts a number of educational courses for students and AEC professionals who want to learn more about precast concrete products and services. While viewing the courses, participants must answer questions relating to the content to advance the course and verify participation. Upon completion, the viewer will be sent a certificate of participation and completion to qualify for Professional Development Hours (PDH) and/or Continuing Education Units (CEU). Visit cpci-learnondemand.com today!
Precast Concrete Lesson Plans
CPCI has prepared resources for architectural professors and students, including our Precast Concrete Lesson Plans, available in pdf and PowerPoint formats for in-class discussion. To get your FREE kit and downloadable course modules for University and College Professors only, please email us at helpdesk@cpci.ca or call us at 1.877.YES.CPCI (1.877.937.2724).
In Addition, CPCI will forward your request to local producer members or regional chapters so that they can arrange for in-class lectures by industry professionals and plant tours for students.
Technical Publications
CPCI has established a program to distribute hard copies of key industry handbooks to Course Instructors/Professors teaching at colleges, universities and technical institutes studying the fields of Architectural Technology/Technician, Civil & Structural Engineering, Civil Technology/Technician, Construction Engineering, Building Design & Technology, Construction Technology & Management. PDF copies are also available free of charge on CPCI's Technical Publications page: www.cpci.ca/publications.
CPCI Precast Concrete Toolbox - Downloadable Student Academic Version
The Student Toolbox Contains presentations covering all areas of precast concrete including an Introduction to Precast & History, Architectural Precast, Structural Precast, Hollowcore, Bridges, Parking Garages, and Total Precast Structures and more.
National Precast Day
Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute holds National Precast Day in the first week of October every year (national open house plant tour of precast plants across Canada). The tour shows how precast is manufactured under rigorous quality controls as well as the many benefits of building with Precast Concrete.
Every year professors and students from universities, colleges and technical schools related to the construction industry are invited along with other construction professionals (Architects, General Contractors, Design-Build Contractors, Facilities Officers, Specification Writers, Owners/Developers, Engineers and Consulting Personnel). Check out our website in September for times and locations and the nearest plant to you across Canada.
Click here to visit the National Precast Day site.
The Young Professional Mentorship Program
The CPCI Young Professional Mentorship Program is an exciting precast concrete industry-led program oriented to recent, or soon-to-be graduating students. The program has the following main objectives:
- To introduce young and emerging professionals to the precast industry, and
- To provide Young Professionals with early career guidance.
The CPCI Young Professional Mentorship Program provides a unique opportunity to develop new skills, make new connections with industry experts and grow your knowledge of precast concrete. Interested in starting or growing your career in the construction industry or the precast concrete industry? This is just the program for you!
Click here for more information about the program and to get started.
Contests
Annual PCI Engineering Student Design (Big Beam) Contest
The PCI The PCI Student Education Committee is inviting entries from students to participate in the Engineering Student Design Competition for the current academic year. Each student team must work with a PCI Producer Member to build a precast concrete beam that meets the qualifications set out in the official rules. The beams will be tested and prizes awarded for best performance in the stated areas.
Contest Period
Information regarding timeframes for submission and testing can be found in the official rules.
Use the link below for the latest competition requirements and resources.
Competiton Information & Submittal Requirements
For additional information about the competition or sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Sherrie Nauden
Phone: (312) 360-3215
Email: Sherrie Nauden
