What is the Vinyl Siding Institute Known For?
The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) is known for its role as a trade association for manufacturers of vinyl and other polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry.
With a mission to advance the development and growth of the vinyl and polymeric siding industry, VSI collaborates with standards-making organizations and code bodies to establish material, product, and performance standards.
One of its notable initiatives is the Installer Trainee Program, which equips students with the knowledge and tools needed to enter the vinyl installation workforce. VSI also offers a Certified Installer Program, providing professional certification for vinyl siding installers and opportunities for renewal and ongoing education.
Through resources and educational opportunities, VSI supports contractors in growing their workforce and staying updated on the latest methods of vinyl siding installation. Overall, VSI’s training and certification programs are pivotal in elevating careers and ensuring that professionals and their crews are well-equipped to deliver high-quality vinyl siding installations.
Who Owns the Vinyl Siding Institute?
The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) is an industry trade association that represents manufacturers of vinyl and other polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry. It is a membership organization that is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from member companies.
Is it Legit?
The Vinyl Siding Institute serves as an accrediting body for vinyl siding installation contractors.
Through their certification programs, VSI validates skills and knowledge, enhancing the credibility of qualified professional installers. This certification also benefits contractors by improving the quality of their work, leading to fewer callbacks and increased customer satisfaction.
Additionally, VSI certification offers exposure through the institute’s website registry. It allows certified installers to use the VSI Certified Installer logo and marketing materials, further solidifying their status as reputable professionals in the industry.
Moreover, VSI courses offer opportunities for students to earn credit toward certification from recognized organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Code Council (ICC), adding to the legitimacy and value of VSI’s certification programs.
Is the Vinyl Siding Institute Worth It?
The Vinyl Siding Institute offers valuable opportunities for students interested in entering the vinyl siding installation industry. The various training programs VSI provides cater to students at different stages of their career journey, offering a progressive path toward professional growth and increased earning potential.
Students in the installer trainee program can enter a career in high demand immediately after completing the StartSafe course, learning fundamental installation techniques and job site safety. As they progress through the installation technician and certified installer training programs, students gain additional experience, certifications, and leadership skills, unlocking new opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
Furthermore, students in advanced programs, such as crew chief/lead installer and sub-contractor/owner-operator, receive training to grow their business and expand their earning potential even further. With the potential to earn up to $117,000 annually, VSI’s training programs offer students a worthwhile investment in their future careers in the vinyl siding industry.
Educational Advantages
The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) offers its students advantages over traditional community colleges due to its focus on industry-specific training and certification programs that traditional colleges may not provide. VSI’s courses, training, and certifications are tailored to the technical aspects of vinyl siding installation, providing students with specialized knowledge and skills highly valued in the industry.
Students can distinguish themselves from competitors by earning institution-specific certifications from VSI and demonstrating their expertise to potential employers and clients. Moreover, VSI’s programs are designed to accommodate students at different skill levels, offering opportunities for beginners to enter the industry and for experienced installers to develop their skills and credibility further.
This tailored approach ensures that students receive education and training that aligns with their individual needs and career goals, setting them up for success in the competitive field of vinyl siding installation.
Cost Per Year
Certification courses at the Vinyl Siding Institute range between $95 for online courses and $175 for in-person training. 3-day in-person specialty training costs $375 per program.
School Catalog
A general institution catalog can be found here.
School Hours
The Vinyl Siding Institute’s primary office is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Students can access online course resources 24/7.
Programs & Courses
Vinyl Siding Installtion
- Installer Trainee
- Installation Technician
- Certified Installer
Campus Locations
Alexandria VA 1800 Diagonal Rd, Suite 545 Alexandria, VA 22314
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) is an extremely well-regarded and essential trade association within the vinyl siding industry, highly praised for its commitment to education, technical information, and professional standards.
Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Premier Industry Authority: VSI is recognized as the “Premier Monitor of the vinyl siding industry” and is considered a great trade association that works to “make the industry a better place.”
Valuable Technical Education: The institute is praised for providing “valuable information” and teaching “new techniques & protocols” through its installation classes and curriculum.
Positive Impact on Workforce: Instructors and industry professionals appreciate VSI for offering classes that are necessary for the installation workforce, supporting the professional development of tradespeople.
Long-Term Support: The association is valued for providing consistent, valuable information to member companies for over a decade.
Momentum
The momentum is strongly positive and sustained. While the total number of reviews is small, the feedback spans several years (from 3 to 6 years ago) and comes from experienced industry professionals and instructors. This indicates a long-standing, consistent reputation for excellence and reliability within the vinyl siding sector.