What you will learn:

• Basic mold making for countertops and integral sinks
• Sink and faucet layout
• The from-scratch formula and calculator for a simple, 100% successful, properly engineered, GFRC mix
• How to spray mist coat correctly for the best finish
• How to apply backer coat correctly for the strongest concrete
• When to use scrim for extra strength
• Foam coring for even lighter weight
• Grinding and polishing GFRC
• How to seal GFRC
• Detailed list of exactly what products you need (and don’t need) to get started
• Mold design considerations based on the look you’re trying to achieve and the mix you’re using
• How to build complex 3-dimensional molds using simple materials such as melamine, foam, and flexible plastic
• How to take a project from concept to finished
• What is ECC and how it differs from GFRC
• Using ECC and GFRC to create the signature Buddy Rhodes pressed look, as well as exposed aggregate, high spray, and glazing

What you will receive:

• Over 200 pages of extensive reference materials PLUS a 54-page textbook on GFRC
• 2 hours of live action videos on GFRC – A great refresher/reference to remind you of what you learned in class!
• 4 hours of GFRC online seminars
• The 80-page Sinks & Molds textbook covering mold making principles as well as various materials and techniques including rubber
• 3.5 hours of online seminars covering 3-D mold making for both GFRC and Precast projects
• Detailed information and plans for ramp and vessel sinks, fire features, lounge chairs and more: Ramp Sink Plans, Vessel Sink Plans, Fire Features Online Training, Ridge Fire Pit Plans, Crater Fire Pit Plans, Cube Table Base Plans, Lounge Chair Plans
• A diploma
• Post-class support

Will this really make me successful, with just 5 days of training?

Yes, if you go home and work hard and apply what you learned. 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.

Do I get to take anything home?

Yes! If you drive to class, take home one of the class projects! (We will draw names if we have more drivers than class projects.) We don’t sell our class projects, they become part of YOUR portfolio.

When you’re considering professional training ask yourself, “Where’s the proof that this training works?”

• Is the instructor a good teacher? Can I see examples of his teaching style? Check out Jeff’s style.
• Am I learning fundamental knowledge that I can build on for years to come?
• What level of reference materials and support will I receive?
• Are alumni running successful businesses? Ours do.

There are a lot of training classes out there, and ideally everyone would attend every class. If you can attend multiple classes, come to CCI first to get a solid foundation. If you have to choose just one, choose the one that gives you a solid technical foundation to build your business on.

Why should I take this class rather than some other GFRC class?

1. You will learn fundamental knowledge and a true understanding of not just how, but why.

GFRC is a highly specialized material with decades of research that show it requires certain fundamental ingredients and construction techniques in order to perform as expected. When done right, GFRC is extremely strong, flexible (literally) and durable.

Unfortunately, in the concrete countertop industry there are many cavalier approaches to GFRC that ignore these fundamentals and instead rely on trial and error. CCI approaches GFRC conservatively, preferring to stick with sound, proven principles even if they require a little more work or more polymer or fibers. You will have 100% confidence in your GFRC made with these techniques – after all, those who construct massive building panels have relied on them for decades.

Engineers make things only as complicated as they need to be so that the building or bridge doesn’t fall down. Be certain your GFRC creations won’t fail by relying on sound engineering principles. The laws of physics don’t change, so that’s why our information doesn’t change with the seasons.

2. You will make a sound investment of your money.

There are cheap classes out there. There is only one reason a vendor would offer free/cheap hands-on training, and that is to sell product. We prefer to price our training based on its value, making it a sound investment for professionals interested in long-term good business practices.

There are also expensive classes that emphasize fabric forming. The value of learning the fundamentals of GFRC, of truly understanding not just how but why, is far greater than the value of spending a day and a half sanding a fabric formed mold. Fabric forming is just one tool in your toolbox. It won’t make you successful. Fundamental technical understanding will.

But don’t take our word for it. CCI alumni have proved over and over that CCI training WORKS. As Jeff says, “I don’t need to brag about my own accomplishments, when so many of my alumni all over the world have used CCI training to build a foundation that made them successful.” That’s the real proof that training is worthwhile. See the proof here.

3. Practical considerations of the ease of travel, plus the class experience.

Consider also when choosing a class, the ease of travel to the friendly and fun town of Raleigh, NC. Our shop and the recommended hotel in downtown Raleigh are located an easy 20-minute drive or $40 cab ride from the airport. Experience a fun town with a vibrant downtown scene. In downtown Raleigh there are 90 bars and restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Click here for more information about accommodations and things to do in Raleigh.

Our London, ON location is also convenient to travel to, with a local airport, and has a wide selection of dining and entertainment options.

When and where is this class offered?

The Ultimate Creative Concrete Training class is offered approximately quarterly in Raleigh, NC and London, ON. The next dates are October 14-18, 2019 in Raleigh, NC, and this is a special one-time event featuring Buddy Rhodes!

How much does it cost?

$4235 ($3850 for CCI alumni.) SPECIAL! $1000 discount to the first 6 people to register before June 30! Click here to register.

Breakfast, hot lunch and all class materials (textbook, mix calculator, videos and more) are included, plus all the benefits listed above.

We have a great hotel deal in the heart of downtown Raleigh for only $87 per night. For dinner, you will enjoy sharing meals, drinks and stories with all the other students at any of the 90 restaurants and bars located within walking distance of the hotel.

Our London, ON hotel is conveniently located only 2 km from the shop and offers an affordable $110 CAD including free hot breakfast, free parking and free wi-fi. Many popular restaurants are located within minutes of the hotel.

What’s the class size?

The Ultimate class is normally limited to 12 students, however the October 2019 special event will admit 20 students, given that we have more instructors: Jeff Girard, Buddy Rhodes, and an additional expert instructor from Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products.

Who should take this class?

This class is for people serious about starting and succeeding in a business creating countertops, sinks, furniture, fire pits and more with concrete. You do not need prior concrete experience, but you do need to be very handy and capable of professional level crafts such as carpentry, tile work, home building, etc. This class is not for do-it-yourselfers. Consider the Level 1 self-study course instead.

How do I sign up?

Click here to register for the next class.