NASSCO’s vision is to increase the awareness of aging underground infrastructure and to provide viable solutions through education, technical resources and industry advocacy.

The first pillar of our vision — to educate the underground infrastructure industry — ensures standards are met and promotes the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies. The Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) has exploded to include more than 40,000 certified individuals and the Inspector Training Certification Program’s (ITCP) expanded curriculum now includes CIPP, manhole rehab and, in the future, grouting. NASSCO recently launched a new learning management system, the NASSCO Training Source, to accommodate this growth.

With COVID-19 bringing the unexpected opportunity of virtual PACP and ITCP sessions, it became apparent very early into the pandemic that students enjoyed the opportunity to become certified anywhere, at any time, from the comfort of their home or office. We also quickly learned that virtual learning allowed NASSCO-certified trainers to be more accessible, able to teach online or in person, without the expense or time commitment of travel.

For all the benefits of virtual training, in-person classes offer face-to-face engagement and a level of learning that many students and trainers prefer. With the CDC’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, many NASSCO-certified trainers and students are heading back to the brick-and-mortar classrooms in increasing numbers.

Whether a class is taught virtually or in person, the NASSCO Training Source, launched earlier this summer, simplifies the registration process for students, making for a streamlined experience where you can utilize your unique portal to receive session information and updates, track your progress, download certificates, explore other learning opportunities and so much more. With the majority of administrative tasks now being automated via the NASSCO Training Source, NASSCO-certified trainers also benefit, giving them more time to prepare for the sessions, provide quality learning experiences and work with their students.

In addition to simplifying the PACP and ITCP registration process, NASSCO plans to use the NASSCO Training Source to offer additional educational opportunities and courses in the future, with much of the curriculum providing a one-stop-shop for the attainment of CEU and PDH credits.

To explore NASSCO’s Training Source, visit nassco.org.

About the Author

Sheila Joy is executive director of NASSCO. She can be reached at director@nassco.org.