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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
AUGUST
2017
38
That is the advice of John Roxburgh, lecturer at The Concrete Institute’s School of
Concrete Technology (SCT), which presents the course under the auspices of the Institute
of Concrete Technology (ICT) in London every two years
Roxburgh says the Advanced Concrete Technology diploma is the highest level of
concrete technology training in Africa. It was originally proposed as means of formally
recognising persons that had been active in the concrete and related industries for many
years – and had substantial concrete technology knowledge and practical skills – for
their experience in the form of a diploma. Such in-depth experience in the industry
remains a prerequisite to acceptance for ACT studies and consequently the SCT has
charted a route for potential, younger and less experienced, students to follow towards
qualifying for ACT enrolment.
“South Africa urgently needs more qualified concrete technologists but be warned:
there are no short cuts to gaining this ultimate diploma of competence. To be successful,
requires a slow and steady maturation of concrete technology knowledge and hands on
practice over a number of years,” Roxburgh cautions.
“The SCT therefore recommends – and offers – a progressive approach to ACT training
through selected courses that are of increasing technological content along with a more
detailed study of various fields in concrete. Practical application of concrete technology
is an essential component in concrete technology education. The SCT recommends that
a prospective ACT candidate ensures that substantial time between courses is given to
onsite application of the technology taught in their courses.
“The School therefore encourages students to enrol at the SCT to complete the ICT’s
Stage 2 (Concrete technology and construction: General principles) and Stage 3 (Concrete
technology and construction: Practical applications). This will then ensure sufficient
theoretical knowledge plus practical on site experience before considering enrolling for the
formidable ACT programme,” Roxburgh adds.
To obtain the ACT diploma, passing two three-hour examinations, along with the
acceptance of a satisfactory research project, must be achieved.
Over the past 26 years, a total of 79 candidates have successfully obtained an
ACT diploma through the education provided by the SCT. For these graduates, the
ACT diploma has opened up many doors within the concrete and concrete related
industries, many of whom now occupy
top leadership positions.
Roxburgh urges those interested in
studying for an ACT diploma to contact
the School of Concrete Technology
as soon as possible to discuss an
appropriate approach, based on
individual needs and experience, towards
successfully enrolling for and obtaining
this prestigious diploma. For more
details, contact John Roxburgh on email
johnr@theconcreteinstitute.org.zaor
phone 011 315 0300.
CEMENT & CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
Potential candidates for The Concrete Institute’s next Advanced
Concrete Technology (ACT) diploma course at the beginning of 2018
or even the following one in 2020, should start their preparations for
this formidable but highly respected concrete training.
John Roxburgh, lecturer at The
Concrete Institute’s School of Concrete
Technology: “There are no short cuts
to obtaining an Advanced Concrete
Technology diploma, so start preparing
now,” he has urged potential students.
ADVANCED
concrete
technology training