Hands-On
Concrete Training
From Dirty Work to Masterpiece
This September 18-20, celebrate the kind of work that leaves your hands sore, your clothes stained, and your shop covered in dust—because that’s where true craftsmanship is born.
Work that Lasts
Concrete is messy. Buckets spill. Forms splatter. Your arms ache from the weight of it.
But out of that grind comes something remarkable: sleek, modern creations you can look at with pride and say, “I built that.”
That’s the essence of artisan concrete—turning raw, heavy material into something timeless.
Master the Craft
At the Creative Concrete Mastery Workshop (Sept 18–20), you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn:
- Proven mix designs that take the guesswork out of concrete
- The why behind every step (not just the how)
- Mold-making, casting, curing, and finishing techniques
- How to achieve flawless, modern finishes that elevate your work
This isn’t theory. This is hands-on training designed to take you from gray sludge to stunning concrete artistry.
Why this Workshop?
This is your chance to get it right the first time—without wasted time, costly mistakes, or guesswork.
- Hands-On Training: This isn’t a demo. It’s sleeves rolled up, hands dirty, real work.
- Expert Instruction: Learn directly from Jeff Girard, the pioneer of engineered concrete countertops.
- Proven Results: These methods have been tested and used by successful artisans around the world
Seats are Limited
The workshop runs September 18–20. Spots are limited to only 6 new students to keep the training focused and hands-on.
Don’t wait. Secure your spot today and turn the dirty work into your labor of love.
21 Years. 2000 Craftspeople. Proven Results.
Over the past 21 years, over 2000 craftspeople have rolled up their sleeves, done the dirty work, and walked away from CCI workshops with the skills to build something lasting. Here’s what they have to say…
“This class gave me the knowledge and the inspiration to take my business to the next level and a class I would strongly recommend it to anyone wanting to change their lives with creating concrete.”
“I’d been dreaming about coming to a CCI class for nearly five years. With a shove from my wife, I finally did it. It is a small investment in comparison to the knowledge gained as well as all the additional resources. I think anyone who is considering this line of work should start with a CCI class.”
“The training accelerated my learning by 2 years. I now have the confidence to take on projects I would have passed on before. The hands-on nature of the training was fantastic! Just enough sit-down training to provide time for questions and set up the activities.”
Click here for more testimonials.
Real Projects. Real Techniques. Real Results.
Class details:
- Duration: 3 days, Thu Sept 18 – Sat Sept 20, 8:30am-5:30pm
- Location: CCI shop near Raleigh, NC – easy to get to with lots of lodging and dining options
- Class size: Only 6 new students and 2 alumni are accepted to each class
- One-time investment: $995 for new students, $649 for CCI alumni
You will learn the following in the context of a concrete sink project:
- Forming three-dimensional pieces
- Good concreting practices that translate to any mix
- Finishing techniques that open a world of possibilities for looks and textures
- Sealers to protect your investment – and your reputation
More Class Details:
- Class Projects: To ensure you develop broad, versatile skills, you’ll create at least one complete, finished project during the workshop. In many cases, the class project is raffled off — giving a few lucky students the chance to take home a finished work.
- Diploma: Each student receives a signed diploma — a mark of distinction that showcases your expertise in creative concrete and sets you apart in the industry. You’ll also earn the right to display the “Trained by CCI” logo on your website, reinforcing your credibility with clients and peers alike.
- Support: After the workshop, you’re not on your own. As a CCI alumnus, you get lifetime, unlimited access to Jeff Girard’s expert support — whenever you need it.
Got questions? We've got answers.
Who should attend this workshop?
Creative Concrete Mastery is designed for professionals and passionate makers who want to take their concrete skills — and income potential — to the next level.
- Concrete Contractors: You already work with concrete — now learn how to create high-end, detailed pieces like countertops, sinks, fire features, and more. Go from flatwork to functional art — and increase what you can offer clients.
- Decorative Concrete Specialists: If you’re already skilled in stamping, staining, or overlays, this is your chance to add premium interior pieces to your portfolio. Expand your offerings, increase your margins, and stand out from the competition.
- Builders & General Contractors: Add a high-value, customizable material to your projects. From kitchen islands to bath vanities, concrete opens up creative options clients are willing to pay for.
- Fabricators, Woodworkers & Makers: Take your craftsmanship further by integrating concrete into your builds. You’ll learn how to form, pour, and finish with the same precision you bring to every other part of your work.
- Ambitious DIYers: You’re serious about getting it right. Whether for personal projects or future business, this hands-on training gives you the tools and know-how to build concrete pieces like a pro.
Will this really make me successful, with just 3 days of training?
Yes, if you go home and work hard and apply what you learned. And take advantage of our 100% dedicated, lifetime support.
But don’t take our word for it. Look at the CCI Alumni Success Stories. When you become a CCI Alumnus, you have far more than training – you have a life-long network of supportive colleagues.
Can you tell me more about the instructor?
Sure! Jeff Girard is a professional engineer and the founder of The Concrete Countertop Institute. With a strong background in structural and civil engineering, Jeff brings a rigorous, scientific approach to concrete countertop design and fabrication. He leads all instruction at CCI, combining deep technical expertise with hands-on training to help professionals master the craft of concrete countertops. Jeff’s teaching style is clear, practical, and grounded in engineering principles, ensuring that students not only learn how but also understand why.
Jeff established The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) in 2004 to bring clarity, credibility, and professionalism to the art and science of concrete countertops. CCI’s mission is to empower professionals to build successful businesses through high-quality training and proven techniques. The curriculum is based on real engineering, not trial-and-error, helping students achieve durable, beautiful results. Through hands-on training, online resources, and support for ongoing learning, CCI equips craftsmen with the skills and knowledge to excel in the growing field of creative concrete.
Do you have any more testimonials?
We have A LOT, from many of the almost 2000 people who have trained with The Concrete Countertop Institute since 2004, from all around the world.
But far more than that, we have the stories of people who took the training and built a successful business. THAT is the true measure of the value of a training course, and proof that CCI training works.
Where exactly is this training located?
What is the class size?
How much does it cost?
Tuition for new students is a one-time investment of $995. Tuition for alumni is $649.
Students are accepted in order of payment. Classes regularly fill up, so early registration is encouraged.
I'm a CCI alumnus. How do I get the alumnus price?
Contact Kim at 919-270-3707 or [email protected] for registration. Only 2 alumni are accepted to each workshop.
What is your refund policy?
Thank you for trusting The Concrete Countertop Institute for your training. We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise and you may need to cancel your registration. Please understand that we are unable to offer refunds for this class. However, we can apply your tuition or deposit towards a future training class within one year of your original class date. Alternatively, we can apply your tuition or deposit towards self-study training. Click here for the details of our class policies.
If you still have questions, call or text Kim at 919-270-3707, or email [email protected]
Make the Leap From “Trying” to Truly Professional
You’ve put in the hours. You’ve watched the videos. Maybe you’ve even built a few pieces — but you still feel like something’s missing.
This workshop is where it all comes together.
In just 3 focused, hands-on days, you’ll learn proven, professional techniques that take the guesswork out of your process. You’ll walk away with real skills, real confidence, and a clear path forward — backed by expert support and a community that’s committed to building with pride.
It’s time to stop figuring it out alone. Step into the training that changes everything.
Claim your spot now — and start creating with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
