Plastic Pipes Conference Association # 2023 Lake Buena Vista
Edward Alan Ambler, Dustin Langston
The Alliance for PE Pipe (PEA) kicked off its Certified Professionals Program in 2022 with ten individuals in the inaugural year of the program. The Certified Professionals Program has been developed in order to enhance knowledge of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) within the municipal water and wastewater markets and develop the Professionals ability to clearly communicate this expertise with others. This hybrid inperson online program included detailed in-person presentations, an in-person retreat mid-year, monthly zoom meetings, participation in PEA webinars and roadshows, and individual and group homework and project assignments. The syllabus for the program covers broad and in-depth topics including HDPE general knowledge, installation methods, organizations, markets, fusion qualifications and inspections, technical notes, standards and testing. The program includes assignments for individuals from both the technical and non-technical sides of the industry with detailed information that is expected to advance knowledge of highly seasoned veterans and novices to the industry alike.
The group benefited from sharing personal experiences within the HDPE industry as well as lots of lessons learned from successful and failed construction projects. Expert instructors, such as Jim Williams, PE, Richard Kolasa, Vivek Rohatgi and Doug Keller, contributed to the monthly zoom meetings and webinars for a comprehensive look at all things HDPE. Several Master’s students will graduate from the program this December and the current Qualified Professionals will become Master’s students for their final year of the program. All homework and project assignments were designed to challenge and expand knowledge in various aspects of the syllabus.
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