Hands-On Training

Knowledge is Power.

Knowledge gives you an edge over the competition. Knowledge ensures your customers will return to you again and again.

Get that knowledge from CCI's unbiased teaching, from-scratch mixes and detailed  instruction that tells you not just how, but why.

Register early, classes fill fast.

  • Get solid information from an engineer.
  • We don't force you to use proprietary products.
  • Learn not just how, but why.

3-Day Professional GFRC

(Intensive GFRC training for pros.)

5-Day Ultimate Precast & GFRC

(Complete Precast, GFRC and business training for those starting a concrete countertop business.)

 

Class Schedule

Testimonials

Self-study training for beginners and DIYers also available.

Why train with CCI? Click here to find out.


3-day intensive training in GFRC:

Professional GFRC Training

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is the latest technology for creating larger, lighter, seamless concrete countertops, tables and intricate three dimensional objects such as lounge chairs and fireplace surrounds.

Compared to traditional precast techniques (which require steel reinforcement), the GFRC method is faster and simpler, requires fewer pieces of equipment, and allows you to express your creativity in ways you never before thought possible - while making money doing it! 

In this class you will see the amazing versatility of GFRC demonstrated by making a lounge chair and an integral sink vanity. Plus you'll take home plans for multiple GFRC projects you can make right away, including a lounge chair, fire pit and table base.

And as always, we will teach you not just how, but why, give you a true understanding of how GFRC works and a from-scratch mix formula, and provide you with in-depth textbooks and videos. What are you waiting for? Register now.

Gray lounger
 

Results of this class:

  • Learn how to change an expensive hobby into a healthy source of income -- in just three days.
  • Save years of trial and error, and get started immediately producing countertops, sinks, fire pits, lounge chairs and more.
  • Express your creativity in ways you never before thought possible - while making money doing it.

When and where is this class offered?

This class is held several times per year in Raleigh, NC and twice yearly in Melbourne, Australia. Click here for the class schedule.

How much does it cost?

$1995. Breakfast, lunch and all class materials are included. We have a great hotel deal in the heart of downtown Raleigh for only $69 per night. Our Melbourne-area hotel is a good deal at less than $200 per night.

What's the class size?

Limited to 12 students. 

Who should take this class?

This class is for professionals looking for in-depth instruction at an affordable price. No experience is required. There are no pre-requisites to take this class. 

If you're a beginner, this class will get you started quickly and inexpensively.

If you're a stone or solid surface fabricator, this class is ideal. You will learn just what you need: the concrete part, not templating and installation.

If you already make concrete countertops, this class will teach you reliable, efficient methods for using GFRC.

    How do I sign up?

    Register online now or call 888-386-7711.

    What you'll learn:

    • NEW! Make a lounge chair and an integral sink vanity!
    • Take home plans for making lounge chairs, fire pits and table bases.
    • Learn solid principles that you can apply to any sort of concrete fabrication, such as sinks, tables and fireplace mantles
    • Get the formula for a 100% successful, from-scratch GFRC mix
    • Get everything you need (including supply checklists and reliable vendors) to get started producing GFRC projects right away

    Class materials you will receive:

    • The Comprehensive GFRC Self-Study Program - $299 value
      • Detailed, step by step textbook, 54 pages
      • 1.5-hour webinar presentation
      • 2 hours of hands-on videos
      • Mix calculator
      • Equipment list
    • FREE Lounge Chair Plan - $59 value
    • FREE Ridge Fire Pit Plan - $49 value
    • FREE Crater Fire Pit Plan - $49 value
    • FREE Cube Table Base Plan - $29 value
    • FREE membership for 2 years - $1176 value
    • TOTAL VALUE: $1661, plus you get 3 days of hands-on learning.

     


     

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    5-day, hands-on training that covers absolutely everything:

    The Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training

    The definition of the word artisan is 'a person or company that makes a high-quality, distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand and using traditional methods.' Does that term apply to you in regards to concrete countertops and other furniture? Can you guarantee that your product will speak to your professionalism and skill? Do you want to build a successful business crafting high-quality concrete products?

    The Ultimate Concrete Countertop class teaches exactly that: how to produce high-quality products by hand -- and how to market and sell them. This class is not intended for 'weekend warriors' or the Do-It-Yourselfers out there. We have other options if either of those terms apply to you. However, if you already have a business, or if you're ready to start your own, let's talk. It could be that this is the class you've been looking for.

    What you learn: Everything that pertains to foundational knowledge of both Precast and GFRC fabrication methods, from mix design right up through sealers. And it's not limited to countertops; you'll learn a variety of other projects as well. This class will give you everything you need in order to have a successful concrete fabrication shop.

    What we expect in our students: Dedication. Commitment to learning proven methods. Willingness to put preconceived ideas aside and absorb the truth from an experienced Engineer and Artisan. The gumption to get home and get to work. Ideally, we accept students who have their shop spaces planned out (if not actually set up), already have most (if not all) of their tools and equipment, and are prepared to make a go of it. Interviews are required, and if you're not ready to pack your bags and buy your tickets, you're not ready to interview.

    It's about FREEDOM: freedom to choose your own mix, freedom to buy materials where you want to buy them, freedom to be creative on your own terms, freedom from mistakes made out of ignorance.

    It may not be easy, but you won't have to go it alone. We'll be there to guide you every step of the way. Lifetime membership in the Guided Success Program with unlimited access to Jeff Girard and Lane Mangum is included.

     "To all those interested in the art of concrete: STOP. Put down the bag of concrete or the book from the library or the trowel and contact CCI. This is the most comprehensive class you will find. The facilities and accommodations are absolutely first rate. The knowledge you get from CCI will prevent years of frustration. The complexities of this art form are entirely too intense and numerous for a trial and error system. Just bite the bullet and enroll in a class now." - Nathan Anderson, March 2012
     
     Class photo 2008-10

    Results of this class:

    • Learn every step of both precast and GFRC concrete countertops, 100% hands on, from templating to installation, using from-scratch mixes.
    • Get a solid technical foundation that will give you the freedom to be creative without problems.
    • Completely understand mix design, reinforcement and sealing, enabling you to have total confidence in your concrete countertops and sinks.
    • Get in-depth training in sales, marketing and project management, that will allow you to run your business profitably.
    • Result: You'll have the technical know-how to run a problem-free, profitable concrete countertop business, and confidently exercise your creativity without limits.

    When and where is this class offered?

    This class is held approximately 2-3 times yearly at the CCI training center in Raleigh, NC and twice yearly in Melbourne, Australia. Click here for the class schedule.

    How much does it cost?

    $3895. Breakfast, lunch and all class materials are included, plus lifetime Guided Success membership. We have a great hotel deal in the heart of downtown Raleigh for only $69 per night. Our Melbourne-area hotel is a good deal at less than $200 per night.

    What's the class size?

    Limited to 9 students in Raleigh and 12 students in Melbourne.

    Who should take this class?

    This class is only for those who are most dedicated to creating a serious, profitable concrete countertop business, whether standalone or in addition to an existing business. No experience with concrete is required, as the training is extremely thorough. You do need basic carpentry and handyman skills, along with creativity and enthusiasm. You will work side by side with Jeff Girard for a full 5 days, and Jeff will take the time to answer every single question.

    How do I sign up?

    You must interview to be accepted into this program. Click here to begin the interview process. Serious inquiries only, please.

    What you'll learn hands-on and in the classroom:

    • Professional templating methods
    • Professional forming methods
    • How to construct a casting table
    • Reinforcing of both simple and complex shapes, including large sink holes, curves, and cantilevers
    • Principles of concrete countertop mix design
    • From-scratch precast mix formula that achieves compressive strengths of over 4000 PSI in 1 day
    • Precast mix calculator
    • From-scratch GFRC mix formula
    • GFRC mix calculator
    • How to use GFRC to create solid, variegated (hand-pressed), and exposed aggregate looks
    • How to foam core GFRC to reduce weight and increase strength even more
    • Work with both CSA cement and portland cement
    • How to cast and cure, and what concrete is actually doing when it cures
    • How to grind, hone and polish
    • Grout formula
    • Detailed information about sealer chemistries, from acrylic to urethane, and how to apply professional-grade, stain-proof sealers
    • How to transport slabs to the job site
    • How to achieve the perfect installation, including undermount sinks
    • Use the professional-grade materials and tools you really need, in an actual concrete countertop shop

    Class materials you will receive:

    • Detailed instruction manual on precast concrete countertop manufacturing
    • Detailed instruction manual on GFRC concrete countertop manufacturing
    • Precast and GFRC mix calculators
    • List of materials, tools and equipment you need and where to buy them for the best prices from the best sources
    • Comprehensive guide to marketing and selling concrete countertops, plus a contract, estimating spreadsheet, brochure, architectural specifications and more
    • A project management course that includes quality checklists and procedures for managing multiple projects, resulting in fewer mistakes and higher profits
    • Lifetime CCI Membership ($99 per month value)
    • Lifetime unlimited access to Jeff Girard and Lane Mangum via email and phone
     

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    Why train with CCI? Click here to find out. Self-study training also available.

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