2.60 Contractor’s Intensive Workshop

2.60 Contractors Intensive Workshop Overview:

This workshop includes 4 days of training and the DSWA-GB Level I (Initial) certification test on the final day.

The workshop will focus on the fundamental knowledge needed by professionals to build dry stone walls successfully and efficiently.

This workshop is perfect for the landscape or masonry contractor interested in starting to build dry stone walls, or expand that line of work, and gain DSWA-GB Certification.

Workshop Format:

This 5 day course will take place as follows:

Day 1 & 2:  These two days will be much like a 1.20 walling course.  The existing training wall there will be lengthened, so Monday part of the existingwall will be stripped out, and additional stone will be sorted in preparation for building a longer wall.  The most experienced participants will rebuild the wall end while the rest will focus on sections of straight wall.  Each person will work a section of wall about 6 ft long (on one side).  Learning the proper techniques for sound and durable construction, as well as for efficient building.   By the end of Tuesday the wall be complete, and should be built to a quality that will exceed passing marks for a Level 1 certification.

Day 3:  will be a “test-prep” day where participants will practice the Level 1 (Initial) Dry Stone Wall Certification Test (equivalent to course 2.80).   Each participant will take down and rebuild 27 square ft of wall both sides would equal 54 face sq ft).  Participants will be able to ask questions and receive assistance throughout the day, while experiencing the pace and workflow required in the test.

Day 4:  will focus on stone shaping and discussions related to professional dry stone walling.  This will allow a bit of a rest day between the strenuous practice and test.  Participants will get to learn some additional methods of shaping stone, and discussions about foundations, site prep, retaining walls, building features and more.  Highlights from course 2.50 and many others will be included.  Pricing and estimating will also be discussed.

Day 5: will be the DSWA-GB Certification Test Day, where participants will be able to put all their newly gained knowledge to work (equivalent to course 2.90).  Participants will each take down and rebuild a 27sq ft (both sides would equal 54 face sq ft) section of wall, while being watched by a DSWA-GB Examiner.  The examiner will not be in instructor for the prior days of the course.  Each section of wall will be graded and marks given at the end of the day.  While there is no guarantee of passing the test, this course is specifically geared to prepare each participant with the information and skills needed to pass.  This day will run until 6pm.

Participants are expected to attend all days of the workshop.

This course is commonly taught at:

• Stoneyard in Littleton MA

• 5-day workshop.
• The first 4 days will run 9:00am-5:00pm with 1/2 hour lunch break.
• The 5 day, Certification day, will run 8:30-5:30
• What to bring:  gloves, rain gear, safety glasses, water, and lunch.  (There is no where close enough to buy lunch with in the lunch break)
• All tools needed are provided.
• Participants are encouraged to bring stone shaping tools they already own.

Time lapse of a workshop equivalent to the 1st part of this workshop:

Landscape Architects can receive up to 37.5 LA CES credits for taking this workshop

Photos from workshops similar to 2.60 (photos from several locations)

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