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Residential Building Code Training for the City of Reading, Pennsylvania

Client

The City of Reading, Pennsylvania
Established in 1748
Population 81,207

Challenge

The City of Reading, PA had many old building structures in a state of disrepair (85% existing and 15% new structures). Reading had to repair the existing structures and thus revamp its neighborhoods and improve the safety of its buildings. The City needed to set up a Property Maintenance Program and train staff to review plans for older structures and adjust them to meet today’s residential building code requirements while meeting the adopted building codes of the region.

IBTS Solutions

  • IBTS helped the City set up the Pre-Settlement Review Inspection Program.
  • IBTS conducted inspections in Reading neighborhoods while training future Program Inspectors.
  • IBTS trained Program staff so that they could operate the Program independently.
  • IBTS adjusted the training program to address local conditions, various building types, and the wind zone requirements of the region.
  • IBTS provided highly qualified instructors with more than 20 years of experience.
  • IBTS provided highly interactive classroom-style instruction with workbooks, walkthrough practical examples and situational analyses that learners could apply to work on-site.
  • IBTS had a low learner-instructor ratio of 40 to 1 to ensure plenty of one-on-one time.
  • IBTS provided training materials for staff to take away and use for future reference.

Benefits

  • The City of Reading, Pennsylvania had an efficient, independent Property Maintenance Program for its older building structures.
  • The Program had a highly qualified staff.
  • Staff was able to conduct residential building code compliance inspections specific to the region.
  • Participants walked away with practical training they could apply to the field immediately.

Testimonial

"I would like to take this opportunity to express our satisfaction with delivery of customized International Residential Code 2003 training on October 27 and 28, 2005 for our Code Services Staff. The subject matter was very appropriate along with organized handouts and electrical/plumbing trade displays. The instructors were very helpful to answer the specific questions from all participants. Mr. Paul Hancher did an excellent job in helping participants understand basic electrical and plumbing devices & fixtures and underlying principles for their operation. Mr. William King did a great job in helping participants understand basic structural principles and building planning parameters. The codes staff has expressed desire to continue participation in this type of training in the future. To summarize, I will conclude to say: "JOB WELL DONE".

- Jatinder Singh Khokhar, CBO, Director, Office of Code Services, City of Reading, PA