Belgard® Launches New Training Platform, Belgard University Online

Leader in Outdoor Living and Design Debuts New Online Portal for Training, Resources and More

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Belgard®, the leader in outdoor living essentials for the patio and beyond, announces the launch of Belgard University Online, its centralized portal for virtual training and resources. Belgard University Online will offer on-demand learning, streaming events and more for Belgard Authorized Contractors and Belgard Authorized Dealers.

Belgard University Online is a natural extension of the company’s popular Belgard U programming. This new platform provides training materials and programs for those new to the hardscaping industry, as well as seasoned professionals looking to expand their skillset and stay up to date on new products, installation methods and more, all in a virtual format. The initial rollout includes programs specifically designed to help new employees and trainees understand hardscapes and installation – such as Pavers 101 and Retaining Walls 101 – and prepare them for success when communicating with contractors and homeowners.

“Belgard continued innovating over the course of the last year, and Belgard University Online is no exception,” says Megan Pratt, Belgard Training Manager. “Though we’ve been unable to host in-person events, we found new ways to reach contractors and dealers, providing them with the tools they need. We’re incredibly excited to showcase our online offerings, with even more exciting programs and events coming over the next several months.”

Belgard University Online training sessions are broken into digestible, three-to five-minute videos, along with quizzes for quick learning and links to other applicable resources. Participating contractors will earn Belgard Rewards points for each user registered, along with individual rewards for each participant. Content tailored to each region will also be available, focusing on products, styles and more.

For experienced contractors and dealers, as well as landscape architects and designers, Belgard is offering its live “Learn from the Experts” series through Belgard University Online. The expert-led series will focus on a new, relevant topic each quarter, with sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. Recordings will be made available two weeks after the live session.

“One of the most valuable aspects of Belgard University Online is providing access to our resources for all our partners, regardless of location,” adds Karyn Peterson, Residential Business Manager, Belgard. “We know they may have to travel long distances at times to attend an in-person event, but now everything is at their fingertips. This is incredibly beneficial for the new hires, so they can hit the ground running. It also allows us to make future events even more special and impactful.”

New online sessions will be added every six to eight weeks, along with programs and events planned later this year, including a socially-distanced road show with a product showcase and hands-on demos conducted under designated safety regulations. Programming tailored for Belgard’s commercial market is slated to be added in Q3 and Q4 2021.

For more information, visit www.Belgard.com.

About Belgard®

Belgard, part of Oldcastle APG, offers a complete collection of paver and wall products for outdoor living spaces, walkways, driveways, parking areas and retaining walls. Available in a range of styles, premium Belgard products have been found in America’s finest homes and award-winning commercial and retail properties since 1995. For more information, visit Belgard.com or call 1-877-Belgard (235-4273).

Oldcastle APG is part of CRH’s Building Products division.

CRH is the leading building materials business in the world, employing c.90,000 people at c.3,700 operating locations in 32 countries. It is the largest building materials business in North America, the largest heavyside materials business in Europe and has a number of strategic positions in the emerging economic regions of Asia and South America. CRH manufactures and supplies a range of integrated building materials, products and innovative solutions which can be found throughout the built environment, from major public infrastructure projects to commercial buildings and residential structures. A Fortune 500 company, CRH is a constituent member of the FTSE 100 index, the EURO STOXX 50 index, the ISEQ 20 and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Europe. CRH’s American Depositary Shares are listed on the NYSE.