The Block Learning Hub is the concrete masonry industry’s online education and learning platform, providing architects, engineers and contractors with resources to better understand the design, construction and performance of concrete masonry units (CMU). The platform brings together education content from across the industry, covering concrete masonry design, materials, construction, building codes and standards, and real-world applications. Through accessible, practical education, the Block Learning Hub helps building professionals expand their knowledge and apply concrete masonry with greater confidence throughout the design and construction process.
The Block Learning Hub offers opportunities for continuing education and professional development, including AIA-approved courses and live and on-demand learning. Its Train the Trainer program extends that education into local markets by preparing sales teams to lead Hub-based learning events and engage professionals in their regions.
Prepare to lead Block Learning Hub courses and learning events in your local market.
Contact learn@beautyofblock.com to learn more.
To access courses and explore available learning opportunities, visit the Block Learning Hub.
The National Concrete Masonry Outreach Program helps introduce students and educators to career opportunities in masonry while strengthening the future workforce that supports the industry. By partnering with schools and regional organizations, the program encourages the development of stand-alone high school masonry programs that create meaningful pathways into the profession.
Along with supporting students, the program provides instructors with educational resources and tools that make it easier to teach masonry skills and grow successful programs. These efforts help expand awareness of masonry careers while supporting continued interest in and education around concrete masonry.
For more information about outreach resources and educator support, connect with the National Concrete Masonry Outreach Program lead.
Junior Block Layer Competition: A hands-on competition designed to introduce students and apprentices to concrete masonry while building block-laying skills across multiple experience levels.
Tomorrow’s designers are sitting in today’s classrooms. The National University Relations Program works to connect the concrete masonry industry to higher education by introducing future architects, engineers and construction professionals to the value of designing
and building with CMU. This is achieved through strategic faculty partnerships, custom curriculum development and hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping ensure concrete masonry remains central to tomorrow’s design conversations.
A key example is our Masonry in a Box curriculum, which provides faculty with ready-to-use resources that make integrating masonry into existing coursework (or starting a new
course) virtually effortless. By connecting local producers with universities and supporting meaningful classroom experiences, the program helps build awareness, encourage future product specification and ensure tomorrow’s designers enter the profession with greater familiarity and confidence.
Interested in bringing concrete masonry into your local university? Connect with the National University Relations Program to learn how to get involved.
Expands the 2024 ASC Regions 6 and 7 Student Competition to give students more time to learn about the concrete industry and work on practice problems. This competition promotes innovation and provides a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge, especially with Concrete Solutions.
Supports a construction entrepreneurship course to construction management and Lyles College of Engineering students at California State University in Fresno, California, to provide students with the technical skills, business development knowledge and support to launch an entrepreneurial business from idea to launch. This program hopes to attract students interested in starting new business ventures in concrete masonry and other construction trades.
Provides reimbursement for full-time undergraduate students in their senior year who are interested or already engaged in concrete masonry technologies. This offsets the registration cost and travel expenses associated with attending the presentation segment of The Masonry Society (TMS) Annual Meeting.
Renews and builds upon the University of Wyoming Expanding Masonry Curriculum program by moving from curriculum development to practical implementation. This phase focuses on teaching a class using the newly developed masonry curriculum and gathering feedback to refine and strengthen the materials. The program brings applied masonry education to the largest university in Colorado, advancing hands-on learning and expanding academic engagement with masonry design.
Provides reimbursement for full-time undergraduate students in their senior year who are interested or already engaged in concrete masonry technologies. This offsets the registration cost and travel expenses associated with attending the presentation segment of The Masonry Society (TMS) Annual Meeting.
With regional support, an RFP will be issued for a Coordinator of University Education and Outreach activity. With over $1,000,000 of Checkoff resources flowing to the “University Relations” focus area, it is important to have a more organized and coordinated effort to maximize our investment. The recommendations for a “Director of University Relations” set by the Task Group on University Relations will be used to develop the RFP.
